DREADDs are specifically expressed in glial cells. Astrocytes, but not tanycytes, are activated by DREADDs and fasting. Morphological changes in astrocytes are also induced by DREADDs and fasting.
MIT neuroscientists have discovered that glial cells play a critical role in controlling appetite and feeding behavior. In a study of mice, activating these cells stimulates overeating, and that when the cells are inhibited, appetite is also suppressed. The findings could offer scientists a new target for developing drugs against obesity and other appetite-related disorders. The study is also the latest in recent years to implicate glial cells in important brain functions. Until about 10 years ago, glial cells were believed to play more of a supporting role for neurons.
“In the last few years, ab...
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