A Study on Mice Explains Why Fasting is Important

Have you ever wondered how your brain controls your energy levels, especially during fasting? It turns out that certain kinds of brain cells play a major role in this process. These cells, called tanycytes, are found in the area of the brain known as the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a key component in controlling hunger, thirst, and the body’s general energy balance. Understanding how our brains manage energy may be of tremendous assistance to maintaining energy and glucose levels in the body, especially while fasting.

An international team of researchers from the University of Lausanne has shown that tanycytes are very adaptable, drastically changing their activity during periods of fasting. These findings are based on a study where tanycytes were taken from mice that were fed repeatedly, fasted for 12 and 24 hours. The researchers were able to determine how these cells respond to hunger by examining the genes that were triggered in each tanycyte.

One of the most important findings was that there are several types of tanycytes, each with unique roles. Fasting causes a change in the gene activity of these cells. Certain genes become more active and others less active, changing the way the cells work. For example, fat metabolism-related genes switched from one kind of tanycyte to another, ensuring that the body can efficiently metabolize and use lipids even in the case of a low food intake.

“We observed that tanycytes dynamically shift their gene expression in response to fasting, showing their adaptability in maintaining energy balance,” stated Dr. Maxime Brunner, a researcher. Tanycytes are adaptable and work as a bridge in the brain-body communication system, adjusting their activity to maintain normal bodily functions even in the absence of meals.

The exact genes that were activated in each tanycyte were identified by the researchers using a cutting-edge technique called single-cell RNA sequencing. This high-resolution picture illustrated how fasting causes a significant rearrangement of gene activity. Protein-processing genes become dormant, whereas RNA-processing genes become more active. Prioritizing the timing of protein synthesis, this switch presumably aids in the maintenance of vital bodily functions.

Team member Dr. Fanny Langlet highlighted the importance of these findings by stating, “Our study demonstrates that tanycytes are highly plastic cells.” The body adjusts its behavior to maintain steady glucose and energy levels in order to help it cope with the lack of food.” This constant reconfiguration allows the body to utilize lipids efficiently even in the absence of much food.

These findings have significant implications. Understanding how tanycytes work can aid in our understanding of how our bodies control energy and glucose levels, which is critical for optimal health. Two conditions that might be brought on by abnormalities in the energy balance include diabetes and obesity. Gaining deeper insight into the function of tanycytes in the body is helping scientists discover new approaches to cure or prevent certain diseases. This study suggests that treating tanycytes might be a helpful strategy for managing energy balance and metabolic health.

The researchers provide many solutions to the issues they discovered throughout their investigation. Medical experts’ comprehension of tanycytes’ role may lead to the development of innovative medicines that enhance patients’ capacity to regulate their blood sugar and energy levels. Patients, particularly those with metabolic issues, may find new hope in therapies that directly target tanycytes. Taking medications that help regulate tanycyte activity or altering one’s diet to account for the role tanycytes play in energy balance are two helpful pieces of advice.

Team member Dr. David Lopez-Rodriguez gave a great description of the results: “Our results show the crucial role that tanycytes play in energy management. These cells are crucial to the brain’s ability to adjust to fasting and maintain steady amounts of glucose and energy.” A deeper comprehension of the role of tanycytes in medicine and research might lead to better management of metabolic health.

In the end, this study demonstrates the remarkable adaptability of tanycytes and emphasizes their critical role in maintaining energy balance during fasting. By modifying the activity of their genes, these cells assist the body in adjusting to a lack of food by maintaining steady levels of glucose and energy. The findings highlight the critical role these cells play in the brain-body communication system and provide promising new avenues for treating metabolic disorders. Implementing the suggested treatments might have several positive impacts, enhancing the health and wellbeing of a large number of individuals.