Emerging insights in the field support the active role of non-neuronal cells in optimally controlling neuronal connectivity of hypothalamic circuits involved in the physiological control of food intake and energy metabolism. Novel and highly sophisticated approaches for studying hypothalamic neuronal-glial networks have emerged in recent years as a result of combined advances in biology, optics, genetics, and pharmacology. This symposium will focus on summarizing the progress in this field by neuro- and glia-scientists who have recently made breakthrough discoveries supporting the relevance of functional heterogeneity and interactions of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia which have contributed to improving our understanding of how the hypothalamus controls energy homeostasis. In particular, the symposium will focus on the deep understanding of the role of orexigenic Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP) (Sophie Steculorum) and mTOR signaling (Daniela Cota) in hypothalamic metabolic sensing and regulation, the role played by astrocytes for obesity-induced hypertension (Tim Gruber), and how the (re)programming of immunometabolism in hypothalamic microglial cells can influence systemic energy homeostasis (Chun-Xia Yi). Therefore, the objectives of the symposium are: a) to question the prevailing neuronal-centric view and support the idea that systemic energy balance control cannot be understood by solely exploring neuronal circuitry; b) to move the field forward by including the function of glial cells in consideration of the neuronal circuitry regulating metabolism; and c) to provide a novel perspective on the central control of energy homeostasis. In addition, two junior researchers will present their work on astroglial GABAb signaling (Davide Gobbo) and microglia-neuron interaction in the context of 2-D or 3-D culture models (Helena Winterberg). We expect this symposium will influence and stimulate further research, as well as provide novel concepts to redefine our understanding of the neuron-glial interactions in different human diseases.

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