Regulation of hypothalamic neurons by succinate

• Grant number: 25/23862-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: January 15, 2026
• End date: March 06, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - General Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Licio Augusto Velloso
• Grantee: Aymee Luara Andrade dos Santos
• 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 present in the diet and not frequently studied is succinate 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 succinate 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.