In vertebrates, the energy balance process is tightly controlled by complex neural circuits that sense metabolic signals and adjust food intake and energy expenditure in line with the physiological requirements of optimal conditions. Within neural networks controlling energy balance, tanycytes are peculiar ependymoglial cells that are nowadays recognized as multifunctional players in the metabolic hypothalamus. However, the physiological function of hypothalamic tanycytes remains unclear, creating a number of ambiguities in the field. Here, we review data accumulated over the years that demonstrate the physiological function of tanycytes in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, opening up new research avenues. The presumed involvement of tanycytes in the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders and age-related neurodegenerative diseases will be finally discussed.
Keywords: energy balance; glia-neuron communication; glucose homeostasis; hypothalamus; tanycyte.