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Hypocretin Signaling

Meaning

Hypocretin signaling, also known as orexin signaling, refers to the communication pathway mediated by the neuropeptides hypocretin-1 and hypocretin-2, which are produced by a small population of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. This critical system is fundamentally involved in the regulation of arousal, wakefulness, appetite, and energy homeostasis. A loss or dysfunction in hypocretin signaling is the primary cause of narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and fragmented nocturnal sleep. Modulating this pathway is a key therapeutic strategy for certain sleep-wake disorders.