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Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Germany – Have you ever wondered what happens in your body when you catch a whiff of your favorite meal, even if you’re not eating it? A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research sheds light on this phenomenon, showing that the liver undergoes rapid adaptations in response to food stimuli, even before a single bite is taken. Published in the journal Science, these findings could pave the way for innovative treatments for type 2 diabetes.
The study, conducted on mice, involved exposing hungry rodents to the sight and smell of food without allowing them to eat. Astonishingly, within just a few minutes, the researchers observed significant changes in the mitochondria of liver cells – the cellular powerhouses responsible for metabolism and energy production. These changes mirrored those typically seen following food consumption, suggesting that the liver was preparing for the influx of nutrients.
Further investigation revealed that these rapid adaptations were mediated by a previously unrecognized phosphorylation event in a mitochondrial protein. Phosphorylation is a crucial process for regulating protein activity, and in this case, it also influenced the liver’s sensitivity to insulin – a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar levels.
The study also identified the key players orchestrating these physiological changes: a group of nerve cells known as POMC neurons. Upon detecting food cues, these neurons were activated within seconds, sending signals to the liver to prepare for nutrient intake. Remarkably, even in the absence of actual food consumption, the activation of POMC neurons alone was sufficient to trigger mitochondrial adaptations in the liver.
Sinika Henschke, the first author of the study, highlighted the speed at which these adaptations occurred, emphasizing the crucial role of mitochondria in metabolic processes. Jens Brüning, head of the study, underscored the significance of these findings for understanding the intricate interplay between sensory perception, mitochondrial function, and insulin sensitivity. Given the impaired insulin sensitivity observed in type 2 diabetes, unraveling these mechanisms holds immense therapeutic potential.
Brüning, who is also affiliated with the CECAD Cluster of Excellence in Ageing Research at the University of Cologne and Cologne University Hospital, emphasized the importance of delving deeper into these mechanisms to develop novel treatments for diabetes. By elucidating the intricate connections between sensory perception, cellular metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, this study opens up new avenues for combating metabolic disorders and improving human health.
