Transcription factors FOXA1 and FOXA2 maintain dopaminergic neuronal properties and control feeding behavior in adult mice

Significance Dopaminergic neurons in the brain control voluntary movement and a variety of cognitive functions, including reward–motivation mechanisms, mood regulation, addiction, and memory. Understanding how dopaminergic neurons' phenotype and function are maintained throughout their life span is of great importance in the light of the diverse roles that they play. Transcription factors FOXA1/2 control dopaminergic neurons' development and then retain their expression in adult neurons. The role of these factors during development is well established, but the meaning of their expression in the adult is still not well understood. We demonstrate here that FOXA1/2 are crucial to maintain key cellular and functional features of dopaminergic neurons in the adult brain. We also show that FOXA1/2-mediated deficits ultimately affect feeding behavior.