Glucose is one of the major dietary sources of energy. The oral cavity, small intestine, pancreas, and portal vein, specialized cells referred to as glucosensors detect variations in glucose levels. In response to this glucose detection, these cells send hormonal and neuronal messages to tissues involved in glucose metabolism to regulate glycemia. Peripheral endocrine organs communicate with the brain, especially with the hypothalamus, through secreting numerous hormones, including leptin, insulin, GLP-1 and glucagon, involved in the modulation of glucosensing mechanisms. In addition to receiving glucosensing information from peripheral organs, the hypothalamus may also directly sense glucose. Indeed, the hypothalamus contains glucose-sensitive cells that regulate glucose homeostasis by sending signals to peripheral tissues via the autonomous nervous system.
Detecting changes in glucose levels is also necessary in vertebrates other than mammals that maintain constant glucose levels and face changes in glucose availability due to dietary habits or environmental changes. The few studies available suggest that common mechanisms for glucose sensing are present in vertebrates though more studies are needed to characterize the presence of these systems and to evaluate their functions.
The aim of this Research Topic is to assemble a series of review articles and original research papers on the pathways regulating glucose homeostasis that will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Specifically, the comparative knowledge from fish to mammals regarding the presence of putative glucosensor systems needs to be addressed to fill the gap existing now.
We welcome review, mini review, perspective, and original research articles to this Research Topic.
Glucose is one of the major dietary sources of energy. The oral cavity, small intestine, pancreas, and portal vein, specialized cells referred to as glucosensors detect variations in glucose levels. In response to this glucose detection, these cells send hormonal and neuronal messages to tissues involved in glucose metabolism to regulate glycemia. Peripheral endocrine organs communicate with the brain, especially with the hypothalamus, through secreting numerous hormones, including leptin, insulin, GLP-1 and glucagon, involved in the modulation of glucosensing mechanisms. In addition to receiving glucosensing information from peripheral organs, the hypothalamus may also directly sense glucose. Indeed, the hypothalamus contains glucose-sensitive cells that regulate glucose homeostasis by sending signals to peripheral tissues via the autonomous nervous system.
Detecting changes in glucose levels is also necessary in vertebrates other than mammals that maintain constant glucose levels and face changes in glucose availability due to dietary habits or environmental changes. The few studies available suggest that common mechanisms for glucose sensing are present in vertebrates though more studies are needed to characterize the presence of these systems and to evaluate their functions.
The aim of this Research Topic is to assemble a series of review articles and original research papers on the pathways regulating glucose homeostasis that will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Specifically, the comparative knowledge from fish to mammals regarding the presence of putative glucosensor systems needs to be addressed to fill the gap existing now.
We welcome review, mini review, perspective, and original research articles to this Research Topic.