Glycogen drives the sensory activation of POMC neurons - PubMed
2 hours ago
- #POMC neurons
- #glycogen
- #sensory perception
- POMC neurons in the hypothalamus regulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis and are activated by both nutritional signals and the sensory perception of food.
- Food-related sensory cues trigger glycogen metabolism in POMC neurons; genetic depletion of glycogen prevents these neurons from responding to sensory stimuli.
- Impaired sensory perception due to glycogen depletion leads to altered eating behavior, liver adaptations, and reduced cephalic insulin release, resulting in a prediabetic state.
- Over time, this dysfunction progresses to overweight and overt diabetes, especially under a high-calorie diet or with aging.
- Glycogen serves as a critical energy source for meeting the rapid energy demands of sensory activation in neurons, highlighting its physiological role in food perception.