Cocaine amphetamine related transcript (CART) is a neuropeptide first isolated and sequenced from ovine hypothalamus and later shown to have functions related to drug taking, drug seeking, and energy balance. Here we review the molecular features of CART, its anatomical distribution and provide an update on CART function in energy balance control and addiction. A common theme across these topics is that CART has diverse roles and functions depending on both the specific cells in which it is expressed as well as the location of these cells in distinct midbrain, hypothalamic, thalamic, and striatal circuits. Although understanding of the functions of CART in addictive behaviors has been hampered by lack of appropriate receptor antagonists, the recent characterization of a putative CART receptor and the availability of better genetic tools to access to the CART system will help answer longstanding questions in this field.

中文翻译：

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能量平衡和毒瘾中的 CART：当前的见解和机制。

可卡因苯丙胺相关转录物 (CART) 是一种神经肽，首先从绵羊下丘脑中分离并测序，后来证明具有与吸毒、寻求药物和能量平衡相关的功能。在这里，我们回顾了 CART 的分子特征、其解剖分布，并提供了 CART 在能量平衡控制和成瘾方面的功能的更新。这些主题的一个共同主题是 CART 具有不同的角色和功能，具体取决于表达它的特定细胞以及这些细胞在不同的中脑、下丘脑、丘脑和纹状体回路中的位置。尽管缺乏适当的受体拮抗剂阻碍了对 CART 在成瘾行为中的功能的理解，