Haematopoietic cells produce BDNF and regulate appetite upon migration to the hypothalamus

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) suppresses food intake by acting on neurons in the hypothalamus. Here we show that BDNF-producing haematopoietic cells control appetite and energy balance by migrating to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. These haematopoietic-derived paraventricular nucleus cells produce microglial markers and make direct contacts with neurons in response to feeding status. Mice with congenital BDNF deficiency, specifically in haematopoietic cells, develop hyperphagia, obesity and insulin resistance. These abnormalities are ameliorated by bone marrow transplantation with wild-type bone marrow cells. Furthermore, when injected into the third ventricle, wild-type bone marrow mononuclear cells home to the paraventricular nucleus and reverse the hyperphagia of BDNF-deficient mice. Our results suggest a novel mechanism of feeding control based on the production of BDNF by haematopoietic cells and highlight a potential new therapeutic route for the treatment of obesity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is produced in the brain and is a known regulator of energy homoeostasis. Here Urabe and colleagues show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor-producing haematopoietic cells control appetite by migrating into the hypothalamus, where they make contact with neurons.