Ectopic expression of Irx3 and Irx5 in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus contributes to defects in Sim1 haploinsufficiency

The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) contains a heterogeneous cluster of Sim1-expressing neurons critical for feeding regulation. Sim1 haploinsufficiency results in hyperphagic obesity with disruption of PVH neurons, yet the molecular profiles of PVH neurons and the mechanism underlying the defects of Sim1 haploinsufficiency are not well understood. By single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified two major populations of Sim1⁺ PVH neurons, which are differentially affected by Sim1 haploinsufficiency. The Iroquois homeobox genes Irx3 and Irx5 have been implicated in the hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis. We found that Irx3 and Irx5 are ectopically expressed in the Sim1⁺ PVH cells of Sim1^+/- mice. By reducing their dosage and PVH-specific deletion of Irx3, we demonstrate that misexpression of Irx3 and Irx5 contributes to the defects of Sim1^+/- mice. Our results illustrate abnormal hypothalamic activities of Irx3 and Irx5 as a central mechanism disrupting PVH development and feeding regulation in Sim1 haploinsufficiency.