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New laboratory on control of hunger

10 May 2022

Luis Varela, together with Tamas Horvath, launch a new research group in ACHUCARRO

Dr. Luis Varela and Dr. Tamas HorvathIkerbasque researchers at ACHUCARRO have recently launched a new research laboratory to work on neuron-glia interaction related to hunger control.

The main goal of the laboratory is to identify the different mechanisms underlying the hypothalamic neuron-glia communication implicated in the control of feeding behaviors.

Their role of glial cells in various aspects of control of neuronal circuits have been recognized during the last years. Astrocytes specifically have been tied to both pre- and post-synaptic control of neuronal transmission via multimodal action. In the hypothalamus, astrocytes and microglia regulate synaptic input organization and activity of neuronal circuits affecting feeding, energy and glucose metabolism. It has been shown that hypothalamic neurons can directly stimulate neighboring astrocytes unmasking a neuron-to-astrocyte communication in the physiological adaptations to changing energetic status.

Luis Varela Fernández

Tamas L. Horvath