Tanycytes of the hypothalamic median eminence form a diet-responsive neurogenic niche
Nature neuroscience, 2012•nature.com
Adult hypothalamic neurogenesis has recently been reported, but the cell of origin and the
function of these newborn neurons are unknown. Using genetic fate mapping, we found that
median eminence tanycytes generate newborn neurons. Blocking this neurogenesis altered
the weight and metabolic activity of adult mice. These findings reveal a previously
unreported neurogenic niche in the mammalian hypothalamus with important implications
for metabolism.
function of these newborn neurons are unknown. Using genetic fate mapping, we found that
median eminence tanycytes generate newborn neurons. Blocking this neurogenesis altered
the weight and metabolic activity of adult mice. These findings reveal a previously
unreported neurogenic niche in the mammalian hypothalamus with important implications
for metabolism.
Abstract
Adult hypothalamic neurogenesis has recently been reported, but the cell of origin and the function of these newborn neurons are unknown. Using genetic fate mapping, we found that median eminence tanycytes generate newborn neurons. Blocking this neurogenesis altered the weight and metabolic activity of adult mice. These findings reveal a previously unreported neurogenic niche in the mammalian hypothalamus with important implications for metabolism.
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