Brain circuit that links hunger signals to food decision-making
Top Down Regulation of Feeding-related Behavior
This project studies a brain pathway that may drive overeating in people with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249221 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will trace connections between hunger-sensing neurons in the hypothalamus and neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex to see how those signals influence eating. They will study the role of melanocortin receptors (like MC4R) in that circuit and how it relates to impulse control and working memory tied to food choices. Experiments will measure how altering this pathway changes food intake, activity, and body weight in lab models, with the goal of understanding the brain processes behind overeating. Findings are intended to inform future ways to reduce excessive eating in people with obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obesity who struggle with overeating or have trouble stopping eating, especially those noticing problems with impulse control or working memory around food, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Those whose weight is driven mainly by medical conditions, medications, or factors unrelated to eating behavior, or people seeking immediate clinical treatments, may not benefit directly from this basic neuroscience work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new targets in the brain (such as MC4R-linked circuits) for treatments to reduce overeating and help control weight.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research supports a role for MC4R in appetite and body weight, but mapping a specific hypothalamus–prefrontal cortex circuit for overeating is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Rachel a — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ross, Rachel a
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.