Researchers have identified a previously unknown type of neuron that plays a crucial role in regulating hunger and satiety. This discovery, published in Nature, reveals a new neural circuit that could lead to innovative treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.
The newly discovered neurons express the BNC2 gene and are situated in the brain's arcuate nucleus. They act as an immediate counterbalance to hunger signals by rapidly inhibiting the activity of AGRP neurons, which promote appetite. This mechanism allows for a quicker response to food cues, enhancing our understanding of how the brain regulates feeding.
Han Tan, a research associate at Rockefeller University, emphasized that these findings challenge the traditional model of hunger regulation, which primarily focused on the interaction between AGRP and POMC neurons. The identification of BNC2 neurons supports the theory that multiple neuron types are involved in appetite control.
The implications of this research extend beyond basic biology. Targeting BNC2 neurons could provide new therapeutic avenues for tackling obesity and diabetes, particularly given genetic links to high body mass index and diabetes risk associated with this neuron type.
Furthermore, the discovery raises questions about other instinctive behaviors governed by similar neural circuits, suggesting a broader role for BNC2 neurons in regulating complex actions in the brain.