Feeding induced changes in the hypothalamic transcriptome

Background: Obesity is a complex multifactorial disorder which needs a comprehensive approach for prevention and treatment. We investigated the modifications in the hypothalamic gene expression induced by high-fat (HF) and low-fat (LF) meal ingestion in mice, in order to identify the signals rapidly mediating the hypothalamic control on energy intake. Methods: After fasting, 1 group of mice was sacrificed and the others were fed ad libitum with HF or LF diet, and sacrificed 3 h after the beginning of the meal. The hypothalamus was sampled and the serial analysis of gene expression method was performed. Results: Approximately 254,588 tags, which correspond to 65,548 tag species were isolated from the 3 groups. The data showed twelve transcripts regulated by food intake. Among these, 2 transcripts have mitochondrial functions (MtCo1, Ppid), 3 are involved in protein transport and regulation (Ube2q2, Mup1, Sec13),1 in cellular pH control (Slc4a3) and another 1 has a role in the epigenetic control of gene expression (Setd3). In addition, 5 potentially novel transcripts were differentially modulated. Conclusion: We identified genes that may regulate hypothalamic circuits governing the early response to food intake. 3 genes were specifically modulated by high-fat intake. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.