Encoding the Glucose Identity by Discrete Hypothalamic Neurons via the Gut-Brain Axis

Published: 16 June 2025| Version 2 | DOI: 10.17632/b735d2tfh7.2
Contributor:
Shinhye Kim

Description

Animals need daily intakes of three macronutrients: sugar, protein and fat. Under fasted conditions, however, animals prioritize sugar as a primary source of energy. They must detect ingested sugar – specifically D-glucose – and quickly report its presence to the brain. Hypothalamic neurons that can respond to the caloric content in the gut regardless the identity of macronutrient have been identified, but until now, the existence of neurons that can encode the specific macronutrients remained unknown. We found that a subset of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (CRFPVN) respond specifically to D-glucose in the gut, separately from other macronutrients or sugars. CRFPVN neuronal activity is essential for fasted mice to develop a preference for D-glucose. These responses of CRFPVN neurons to intestinal D-glucose require a specific spinal gut-brain pathway including the dorsal lateral parabrachial nuclei. These findings reveal the neural circuit that encodes the identity of D-glucose.

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Institutions

  • Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Categories

Physiology, Neuroscience, Homeostasis

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