Brain cell switch determines lifelong obesity risk

Scientists identified a molecular switch in the hypothalamus that determines if brain cells promote hunger or satiety, potentially fixing lifelong obesity risk early in development. This switch, regulated by the transcription factor Otp, directs precursor neurons towards pathways that either increase appetite or promote fullness. The research, published in Neuron, used mouse models to trace cell lineages. The findings suggest that in environments of food abundance, this developmental process can lead to a predisposition for weight gain. Understanding this switch could lead to early interventions for obesity.