Brain cells, nerve signals, and blood sugar control during exercise
SF1 neurons and sympathetic regulation of glucose homeostasis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11311887
Researchers want to find out if specific brain cells and nerve signals help muscles and the liver lower blood sugar during and after exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11311887 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a brain region called the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and SF1 neurons that communicate with the sympathetic nervous system. The team uses genetically engineered mice that alter specific adrenergic receptor types in muscle and liver and applies new metabolic flux tracking methods to follow glucose use during exercise. Their aim is to see whether β2 adrenergic receptors in muscle and α1b receptors in liver mediate exercise’s blood-sugar benefits. Results are intended to point toward potential targets or strategies to improve metabolic health in people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes or people with insulin resistance who want better blood-glucose control from exercise.
Not a fit: This research may not directly help people with type 1 diabetes, unrelated endocrine disorders, or those unable to engage in exercise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to strengthen the blood-sugar benefits of exercise or identify targets for diabetes treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown the VMH and sympathetic nerves influence glucose metabolism, but this isoform-specific, exercise-focused approach is relatively novel and mainly preclinical.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ELMQUIST, JOEL K. — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: ELMQUIST, JOEL K.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus