Regulation of hypothalamic neurons by nutritional factors

• Grant number: 23/14211-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: January 08, 2024
• End date: February 27, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Licio Augusto Velloso
• Grantee: Milena dos Santos Almeida
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus are responsible for coordinating responses to systemic stimuli that indicate the body's energy reserves. In addition to responding to hormones such as leptin and insulin, these neurons are also responsive to nutrients. A nutrient widely consumed in Western-style diets is fructose, used in various preparations such as soft drinks, juices and some solid foods. In this project, after a period of training in basic cell culture and PCR techniques, we will evaluate the response of a line of hypothalamic neurons to acute (30 min) and chronic (12 h) exposure to fructose at a concentration of 11mM. The project aims to offer a period of training in a very productive laboratory for an undergraduate student interested in scientific activity. Furthermore, the result of the intervention may contribute to the characterization of response mechanisms of hypothalamic neurons to a nutrient widely used in the contemporary world. (AU)