Genetic regulation of neural stem/progenitor cells and neurogenesis in the adult hypothalamus

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The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that regulates key physiological functions ranging from mood and sleep to appetite and energy expenditure. Recent work from our lab has shown that new neurons are generated in the hypothalamus of adolescent and adult mice. Intriguingly, these neurons appear to be destined for circuits that regulate appetite and energy expenditure. This raises the interesting possibility that these circuits can be modulated to the benefit of human health. In particular, to preserve the healthy functioning of the brain in aged individuals and tackling eating disorders, such as obesity.We have discovered that the new hypothalamic neurons arise from a unique population of stem cells, called tanycytes. We have also found that these cells express a very important signaling gene, called Fgf10. Our main objectives are to characterize and understand the function/s of Fgf10 in tanycytes. To meet these objectives, we will use well-characterized tissue culture systems and examine the brains of genetically modified mice, in which the functioning of Fgf10 has been abrogated or elevated. We will also investigate the cohort of genes and molecules that Fgf10 may talk to and interact with to exert its functions. The generated information will advance our knowledge of brain stem cells and brain function and may well lead to the development of molecular tools to positively modulate brain function.