A team of scientists has discovered an important role played by a specific protein in regulating food consumption within the brain.
The protein, called Opsin 3 (OPN3), is concentrated in the hypothalamus, a region responsible for several vital functions, including body temperature regulation, hunger, sexual desire, and sleep.
اضافة اعلان
The study results showed that this protein contributes to modifying feeding behavior through the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), which is crucial for regulating energy balance.
The research team, led by Hala Haddad from Brown University, in collaboration with Elena Oncia, Professor of Medical Sciences, and Richard Lang, Director of the Visual Systems Group at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, found that OPN3 works alongside MC4R and the potassium channel Kir7.1 to regulate specific cellular signals and control the release of neural stimulation in the hypothalamic region responsible for energy balance.
Experiments demonstrated that mice genetically modified to lack OPN3 in this area consumed less food and were less active compared to control mice, confirming the role of OPN3 in regulating feeding behavior.
The researchers stated, "We are excited that we have identified for the first time the cellular mechanism through which OPN3 functions in the brain."
Despite these promising results, the researchers noted that further studies are needed to understand how this mechanism affects the human brain.
Oncia remarked, "While we have identified the function of OPN3 in the hypothalamus, understanding how it affects other regions of the brain still requires more research." Lang added, "We have not yet determined if OPN3 acts as a light sensor in the mouse brain, which is a matter that requires future study." - Medical Express.
