Habenular Tcf7l2 links nicotine addiction to diabetes.

Translational profiling of cholinergic neurons in the MHb allow identification of genes that are responsive to metabolic changes. Here we use bac TRAP to access translating mRNAs. We confirm a role for the transcription factor Tcf7l2 in the MHb in both glucose homeostasis and nicotine intake. Total RNA from various brain regions was sequenced and Tcf7l2 gene expression compared between regions. Polysome-bound mRNAs from MHb TRAP IPs were compared to determine sucrose-regulated genes.