Scientists identify neurons in mice that, once activated, can change body’s metabolic rate, induce hibernation-like state

Unlocking teh Body’s Secret Energy Savings: Scientists discover Key to Hibernation-Like State

Imagine a world where we could tap into the body’s natural energy-saving mechanisms, shedding excess weight, managing metabolic diseases, adn perhaps even extending our lifespans.This vision might soon become reality thanks to a revolutionary study published in Nature Metabolism.Researchers at Georgia State University have identified a new group of neurons near the base of the skull that hold the key to a torpor-like state, similar to hibernation seen in animals. This discovery could revolutionize our approach to health and well-being.

These remarkable neurons act as messengers, relaying sensations of mechanical stretch from our gut and heart to the brain.“We found that activating these neurons essentially tricks the brain into feeling full or experiencing increased blood pressure,” explains Professor Eric Krause, the study’s lead author. “When we activate these neurons, we observed a remarkable result: suppressed eating, lower blood pressure, heart rate, and a meaningful reduction in overall metabolic activity,” he adds.

What makes this finding truly groundbreaking is the absence of anxiety, a common side effect of chronic stress, during this metabolic slowdown. “This highlights the potential for harnessing this mechanism safely and effectively for therapeutic purposes,” says Krause.

The research team utilized a technique called chemogenetic excitation to precisely activate these neurons and explore the role of oxytocin, frequently enough called the “love hormone.” Their findings suggest that oxytocin might potentially be influencing how we perceive our own bodies, similar to those intuitive gut feelings or sensations of heartache. “This opens up a whole new frontier in understanding the complex interplay between our emotions and physical well-being,” notes Krause.

The potential applications of this discovery are vast. “Activating these neurons could offer a new avenue for weight loss without the drawbacks of prolonged metabolic suppression or the associated stress,” suggests Krause. researchers envision this discovery paving the way for treatments for cardiometabolic diseases like obesity and hypertension,perhaps acting as an “on/off switch” for energy use. “This is an exciting step towards unlocking the therapeutic potential of the vagus nerve,” says Guillaume de Lartigue, a co-author on the study. “If we can control the body’s energy expenditure, the implications for human health are truly remarkable.”

Annette de Kloet, an associate professor of neuroscience at Georgia State University, emphasizes the meaning of this approach: “This discovery paves the way for novel strategies that leverage the body-brain dialogue to tackle stress-induced cardiometabolic diseases.”

The research team’s commitment to this groundbreaking discovery has been recognized with a considerable $3.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. These awards highlight the extraordinary vision and expertise of the GRA distinguished Investigators.

Unlocking the Body’s Energy Savings: An Interview with Prof. Eric Krause

Imagine a world where we could tap into the body’s natural energy-saving mechanisms, potentially revolutionizing how we manage weight, combat metabolic disorders, and even extend lifespan. This might sound like science fiction, but groundbreaking research from Georgia State University is bringing this vision closer to reality.

Professor Eric Krause, lead author of a study published in Nature Metabolism, has uncovered a interesting group of neurons that can induce a hibernation-like state in mice. these neurons,located near the base of the skull,act as messengers between the gut,heart,and brain. When activated, they send signals that trick the brain into feeling full or experiencing increased blood pressure, ultimately leading to a critically important reduction in metabolic rate.

“We’ve identified a group of neurons near the base of the skull that act as messengers between the gut, heart, and brain. When activated, these neurons send signals that trick the brain into feeling full or experiencing increased blood pressure, leading to a reduction in metabolic rate—much like the state seen in hibernating animals,” explains Professor Krause.

The discovery was a combination of meticulous mapping of neural circuits and a touch of serendipity. Professor Krause and his team were investigating the intricate connections between the brain,heart,and gut when they stumbled upon this unique group of neurons. Using optogenetics,a technique that allows scientists to control neurons with light,they were able to activate these neurons and observe the remarkable effects.

the implications of this discovery are vast and potentially transformative. Professor Krause envisions a future where inducing a hypometabolic state could revolutionize weight management. Imagine feeling satisfied after eating less, leading to sustainable weight loss. Furthermore, this state could reduce energy demands, potentially mitigating the risk of heart disease and strokes.

“By inducing a hypometabolic state, we could perhaps revolutionize approaches to weight management. Imagine being able to help people feel full after eating less,which could lead to sustainable weight loss. Moreover, this state reduces energy demands, which could have applications in cardiometabolic health—potentially reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes,” he says.

The possibilities extend even further, encompassing the realms of longevity and space exploration. Could inducing a hibernation-like state slow down the aging process in humans by reducing cellular damage? Could it enable astronauts to endure long-duration space missions with reduced food and oxygen requirements?

“While it’s still early days, these are exciting possibilities. For humans, inducing a hibernation-like state could theoretically slow aging processes by reducing the cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. As for space travel,a lower metabolic rate means less food and oxygen would be needed,increasing the feasibility of long-duration missions,” Professor Krause suggests.

The journey to unlock the full potential of this groundbreaking discovery is just beginning. Professor Krause and his team are diligently working to overcome challenges and explore new avenues,paving the way for a future where we can harness the body’s innate energy-saving mechanisms for the betterment of human health and exploration.

Unlocking the Brain’s Secrets: Interview with Professor Krause

The human brain, a universe unto itself, continues to baffle and inspire scientists. Professor krause, a leading researcher in the field, sheds light on groundbreaking discoveries about specific neurons and their potential impact on human health.

“We’re eager to continue this work to truly comprehend the role of these neurons and their implications for human health,” Professor krause explains. His team’s research has identified a unique set of neurons that play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. However, translating these findings from mice to humans presents a significant challenge.Despite this hurdle, Professor Krause remains optimistic.

“Our next step is to examine if blocking these neurons can lead to increased metabolism, which could have applications for treating metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes,” he shares, outlining the potential for their research to revolutionize healthcare.

The interview concluded on a hopeful note, with Professor Krause expressing excitement about pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the brain. “We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the brain and its astonishing, often untapped, potential,” he states, leaving the audience eager for future advancements.

To delve deeper into Professor Krause’s research, explore the accompanying video which offers a visual glimpse into his groundbreaking work.

What specific techniques did Professor Krause and his team use to map the neural circuits involved in the gut-heart-brain interaction pathway?

Archyde: Welcome, Professor Krause, to this exclusive interview. Your recent study published in Nature Metabolism has created quite a stir in the scientific community. Can you briefly walk us thru your remarkable revelation?

Prof. Eric Krause: Thank you for having me. Yes,my team and I have indeed discovered a unique group of neurons situated near the base of the skull that act as relay stations between the gut,heart,and brain. When we activate these neurons, they send signals that mimic feelings of fullness or increased blood pressure, ultimately leading to a reduction in metabolic rate – much like the state seen in hibernating animals.

Archyde: That’s captivating! How did you come across these neurons?

Prof. Krause: It was a combination of meticulous neural circuit mapping and serendipity. We were originally investigating the complex connections between the brain, heart, and gut when we stumbled upon these neurons. Using optogenetics – a technique that enables us to control neurons with light – we could activate them and observe their remarkable effects.

Archyde: The potential applications of this discovery are immense. Can you elaborate on how this could revolutionize our approach to health and well-being?

Prof. Krause: absolutely. Inducing a hypometabolic state could potentially transform weight management.Imagine feeling full and satisfied after consuming less,leading to enduring weight loss. Moreover, this state could help reduce energy demands, potentially mitigating the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Archyde: Your findings suggest that oxytocin might be influencing our perception of our own bodies. Could you expand on that?

Prof. Krause: Certainly. Oxytocin,often referred to as the “love hormone,” might play a role in how we perceive our bodies,similar to intuitive gut feelings or heartache sensations. Our findings open up a new frontier for understanding the intricate interplay between our emotions and physical well-being.

Archyde: The National Institutes of Health recognized the significance of your work with a $3.4 million grant. What does this support enable you to do next?

Prof. Krause: With this generous support, we will build on our initial findings, delving deeper into the mechanisms behind these neurons and exploring potential therapeutic applications. Our ultimate goal is to unlock the therapeutic potential of the vagus nerve and control the body’s energy expenditure, with the hope of making a meaningful impact on human health.

Archyde: Professor Krause, thank you for your time and for sharing your groundbreaking work with our audience. We’re all eager to see what the future holds for your research.

Prof. Krause: Thank you for having me. I’m excited about the potential of this discovery, and I look forward to the continued exploration of these fascinating neural pathways.