As one of the main centers controlling food intake, the hypothalamus is a structure located in the basal region of the third ventricle (3V), and is composed of neurons (grouped in different nuclei) and other cells, such as tanycytes, that respond to glucose concentration1–4. Tanycytes are specialized ependymal cells that cover the lower lateral walls and the floor of the 3V. Morphologically, tanycytes are polarized, lengthened cells with apical surface differentiations in direct contact with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and long basal processes that come into close contact with neurons from the periventricular nuclei of the basal hypothalamus5. Based on their morphological and histochemical features, tanycytes have been classified into four subpopulations: α1, α2, β1 and β26. α2 and β1 tanycytes are localized in the lower lateral wall of the 3V. Importantly, they have extended cell processes that project into the arcuate nucleus (AN) and appear to come into close contact with feeding-regulating neurons, particularly agouti-related protein (AgRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons7, 8. β2 tanycytes are located in the floor of the 3V. lining the median eminence (ME). These cells develop tight junctions that form the CSF-ME barrier. The proximal part of the cells is in contact with the CSF whereas the distal part of the cells forms processes in which the end feet reach the local capillary plexus in the ME. Although the specific roles of tanycytes in the hypothalamus are still under debate, their strategic proximity to and relationship with fenestrated capillaries, the blood brain barrier, axonal nerve terminals, and hypothalamic nuclei that regulate appetite/energy expenditure has placed them in a privileged position to integrate multiple inputs and regulate homeostasis9.