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The amino acid sensor GCN2 biases macronutrient selection during aging
Anne-Catherine Maurin1, Cédric Chaveroux, Sarah Lambert-Langlais
1Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre de Clermont-Ferrand/Theix, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France.
European Journal of Nutrition
|May 27, 2011
Summary
The protein kinase GCN2 influences food choices in mice. Its absence increases fat preference and alters carbohydrate and protein intake, especially with aging.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Mammalian Physiology
- Dietary Regulation
Background:
- Dietary selection is crucial for health, influenced by age, culture, and physiology.
- Nutrient sensing, particularly of amino acids by protein kinase GCN2, impacts food intake and metabolism.
- GCN2's role in macronutrient selection and age-related changes is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of protein kinase GCN2 in macronutrient selection.
- To determine if GCN2 influences age-related changes in food preferences.
Main Methods:
- A food self-selection protocol was used with wild-type and GCN2 knock-out mice.
- Mice were tested at multiple ages (6, 12, 18, 24 months).
- Separate food sources offered protein, fat, and carbohydrates for self-selection.
Main Results:
- Absence of GCN2 led to increased fat preference and reduced carbohydrate intake.
- GCN2 deficiency prevented age-related increases in protein consumption.
- These effects were observed across different ages in the mice.
Conclusions:
- The GCN2 pathway plays a significant role in controlling food preferences in omnivores.
- GCN2 is involved in regulating macronutrient balance and its age-dependent modifications.
- These findings highlight GCN2 as a key regulator of dietary choices.
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