Alternatively, a combinational genetic manipulation targeting subpopulation of astrocytes that express 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (Aldh1l1) (Srinivasan et al., 2016) or glutamate aspartate transporter (Glast) (Mori et al., 2006), might be essential for the complete understanding of astrocytes function in the context of obesity and metabolic disorders. The gene discussed is ALDH1L1; the disease is metabolic disease.