Protein restriction will increase choice and motivation for whey protein in WT however not Fgf21-KO mice. Credit score: Molecular Metabolism (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.102068
When confronted with a number of meals choices and finally selecting one, the components of that decision-making course of could also be extra physiological than beforehand assumed. A bunch of scientists led by Pennington Biomedical Analysis Middle’s Dr. Christopher Morrison has found that the hormone fibroblast progress issue 21 (FGF21) performs an influential function in mind reward mechanisms like these concerned in dietary selections.
The invention was introduced within the analysis staff’s latest paper titled “FGF21 acts in the brain to drive macronutrient-specific changes in behavioral motivation and brain reward signaling,” which was revealed in Molecular Metabolism. The research knowledge signifies that the FGF21 hormone acts on the mind to induce a protein-specific urge for food by enhancing the reward worth of meals that include protein.
“What’s fascinating is that this isn’t just general hunger—it’s a very specific appetite for protein,” mentioned Dr. Morrison, Affiliate Govt Director of Primary Science at Pennington Biomedical.
“When protein is restricted, FGF21 acts in the brain to flip a molecular switch that makes protein-rich foods more rewarding and motivates animals to seek them out. Many people struggle to maintain a balanced diet. Understanding how the body naturally regulates protein appetite could lead to better strategies for promoting healthy eating.”
Within the research, animals on a low-protein weight loss program labored particularly laborious for liquid protein rewards, however not carbohydrate, fatty, or candy rewards, in comparison with these on a traditional weight loss program. Nevertheless, if FGF21’s potential to behave within the mind was disrupted, this protein-specific motivation was misplaced.
The researchers then used a classy neuroscience approach referred to as fiber photometry to evaluate how vitamins activate dopamine neurons inside the ventral tegmental space, or VTA, a mind area related to reward. They found that protein restriction shifts the dopamine response, with carbohydrate extra strongly activating dopamine neurons in management animals and protein extra strongly activating dopamine neurons in protein-restricted animals. Importantly, this shift in reward signaling was misplaced in animals missing FGF21.
“It’s a remarkable example of how hormone signals can tune the brain’s reward system to drive specific nutritional appetites,” explains Dr. Morrison.
“This recent discovery demonstrates the continual journey to uncover the functions of certain genes, proteins and nutrients in our bodies while also highlighting the principal value that Pennington Biomedical delivers to the broader scientific community,” mentioned Dr. John Kirwan, Govt Director of Pennington Biomedical.
“Understanding how the brain drives specific nutritional preferences has been a long-standing challenge in metabolism research. This work exemplifies how Pennington Biomedical’s integrative approach—combining molecular biology, neuroscience, and behavioral studies—can unlock complex biological mysteries. I commend Dr. Morrison and his team for this extensive study, and I look forward to the additional discoveries that will emerge because of this one.”
The FGF21 hormone is produced within the liver and has been beforehand acknowledged as a regulator of vitality stability and for its function in glucose metabolism. This newly revealed analysis emphasizes its important affect on the central nervous system.
Extra info:
Md Shahjalal H. Khan et al, FGF21 acts within the mind to drive macronutrient-specific adjustments in behavioral motivation and mind reward signaling, Molecular Metabolism (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.102068
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