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Can brain neurons change identity? Lessons from obesity
Jean Charles Nicolas1, Thomas H Lee1, Carmelo Quarta1
1University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|December 6, 2024
Summary
Mammalian brain neurons may retain identity plasticity into adulthood. Metabolic stress can alter neuronal identity, potentially contributing to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases linked to obesity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic disorders
- Neurodegenerative diseases
Background:
- Neuronal identity was traditionally considered fixed post-development.
- Some neurons express identity regulators into adulthood.
- Metabolic stress impacts neuronal identity and cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate neuronal identity plasticity in adult mammals.
- Explore the neurological basis of obesity.
- Understand links between metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on neuronal identity regulation.
- Analysis of diet-induced metabolic stress models in mice.
- Examination of cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases associated with obesity.
Main Results:
- Prolonged metabolic stress induces neuronal identity modification in adult mice.
- Maladaptive neuronal identity changes are linked to cognitive deficits.
- Obesity is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- Mammalian brain neurons may possess plasticity into adulthood.
- Understanding obesity's neurological roots is key to neuronal plasticity research.
- This research advances knowledge on metabolic and neurodegenerative disorder interactions.
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