Protocol to study inter-tissue communication between the hypothalamus and white adipose tissue and lifespan using a chemogenetic approach in aged mice.

Abstract

Here, we present a protocol for assessing the impact of a chemogenetic manipulation in a subpopulation of the hypothalamic neurons on aging and lifespan control using a mouse model developed specifically for this purpose. We describe steps for stereotaxic viral injection and assess inter-tissue communication between protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 17 (Ppp1r17)-expressing neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus and white adipose tissue. We then detail procedures for lifespan measurements following chemogenetic manipulation in aged mice. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Tokizane et al.¹.