Scientists from the Max Planck Institute in Cologne and the University of Cambridge have unveiled Hypomap, a detailed spatial map of the human hypothalamus. This cell atlas provides information on the precise locations of cells, their surrounding environment, and specific gene expression. HYPOMAP is now accessible to the scientific community and has the potential to aid in the development of new treatments for obesity and diabetes.
The hypothalamus is a crucial area of the brain responsible for regulating essential functions such as sleep, body temperature, hunger, and thirst. However, due to the complexity of studying the human brain, most knowledge about the hypothalamus is based on research conducted on mice. This information has been instrumental in developing current treatments for obesity.
Lucas Shternagel, one of the study’s authors, believes that Hypomap will enhance our understanding of drug mechanisms, such as semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, potentially minimizing side effects and increasing treatment efficacy.
By analyzing 11 human brains and integrating their data with the Human Cell Atlas project, researchers were able to create a comprehensive map of the hypothalamus. This map pinpoints the exact cellular locations and active genes within the region. With Hypomap, scientists have investigated neurons and pathways involved in appetite regulation and identified cells that respond to novel diabetes and obesity treatments.
Comparison with a mouse brain map revealed both similarities and significant differences. For instance, some mouse neurons possess GLP-1 receptors absent in humans. Jens Bruning, the Director of the Max Planck Metabolic Institute, believes this atlas will facilitate a more precise examination of nerve cells shared by both species.
Gails Yeo, a prominent researcher, emphasized the importance of Hypomap in confirming the hypothalamus’s role in weight control and discovering new obesity-related genes. The atlas is open to the scientific community as a valuable resource for drug development and further investigations.
John Tadross, another researcher from the University of Cambridge, highlights the significance of exploring hypothalamic changes in individuals with varying weight categories. These findings could revolutionize our understanding of metabolic health and refine treatment strategies.
The research has been published in the journal Nature.