Maisie E. Crook

Abstract Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) effectively reduce body weight and improve metabolic outcomes; however, established peptide-based therapies require injections and are complex to manufacture1,2,3. Small-molecule GLP1RAs promise oral bioavailability and scalable manufacturing, but their selective binding to human versus rodent receptors has limited mechanistic studies4,5,6,7,8,9.

Abstract The nucleus ambiguus (nAmb) provides parasympathetic control of cardiorespiratory functions as well as motor control of the upper airways and striated esophagus. A subset of nAmb neurons innervates the heart through the vagus nerve to control cardiac function at rest and during key autonomic reflexes such as the mammalian diving reflex.