The CART gene encodes for a protein which has an important role in the regulation of appetite and body weight. The CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) neuropeptide is an mRNA that changes in response to psychostimulant drug administration. Injection of CART peptides into the ventral tegmental area produces psychostimulant-like effects. CART localizes to areas of the central and peripheral nervous systems and is involved in feeding behavior when injected centrally. Expression of CART in the rat hypothalamus is modulated by nutritional status, and injection of synthetic CART peptide into the forebrain ventricular system suppresses food intake, indicating a possible role in hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis. Its identification in cell bodies and central terminals of vagal afferent neurons additionally suggests a role in brainstem mechanisms of meal termination and satiety.