Marie Aare Bentsen- IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GLP-1-RESPONDING HYPOTHALAMIC CELL TYPES

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues are currently successfully used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.  However, the molecular mechanisms behind these effects of GLP-1 analogue treatment on glucose and energy metabolism remain largely unknown. 

Interestingly, the GLP-1 receptor is expressed in the hypothalamus, a key appetite regulating area in the central nervous system.  The aim of this project is to identify and characterize novel GLP-1 responsive neurons in the arcuate nucleus. Using advanced droplet-based RNA sequencing of single cells, I will construct transcriptional atlases of neuronal cell types in the arcuate nucleus of diet-induced obese mice and contrast these with cell types from diet-induced obese mice treated with a GLP-1 analogue for three weeks. Identifying neuronal cells that respond to peripherally administered GLP-1 analogues may lead to new hypotheses on how to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.