Brain circuits that control metabolism and reproduction
Neural Substrates Controlling Metabolic and Reproductive State
This project uses fruit flies to learn how brain circuits shift energy use and reproductive activity, with the goal of informing future care for people with adult-onset diabetes and PCOS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Las Vegas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Vegas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetically accessible fruit flies (Drosophila) to map the brain cells and signals that let the brain change metabolic and reproductive state when the environment changes. They will target specific neurons (including DN3 circadian neurons) and a neuropeptide called Allatostatin‑C, track how temperature and other cues alter neuron activity, and create a network map of the circuits that control energy conservation and reproductive arrest. Experiments use fly genetics, cellular-resolution imaging, and behavioral tests in the lab rather than enrolling people. The hope is that conserved principles found in flies will point to brain pathways relevant to human metabolic disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people, but its findings are intended to guide future studies that may recruit adults with type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment advances are unlikely to benefit directly because this is basic laboratory research in flies rather than a clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal brain pathways that become targets for new treatments or diagnostics for type 2 diabetes and PCOS.
How similar studies have performed: Basic research in model organisms has identified conserved neuropeptides and circuits tied to metabolism, but moving those discoveries into human therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Las Vegas, United States
- University of Nevada Las Vegas — Las Vegas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meiselman, Matthew Ramiah — University of Nevada Las Vegas
- Study coordinator: Meiselman, Matthew Ramiah
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.