Brain signaling that controls hunger, weight, and blood sugar
Alpha2/delta1- thrombospondin-3 signaling in the central control of metabolic function
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11257736
Researchers are looking at whether the brain proteins alpha2/delta-1 and thrombospondin-3 help control appetite, body weight, and blood sugar in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11257736 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models to study how the protein alpha2/delta-1 (Cacna2d1) and its partner thrombospondin-3 affect neurons in the brain region that controls hunger and metabolism. Scientists restore or reduce alpha2/delta-1 in the ventromedial hypothalamus using genetic and viral tools and then measure food intake, body weight, liver fat, and blood sugar changes. They also record neuronal electrical activity to see how synapses and excitatory signals are altered. The work links these brain circuit changes to obesity and insulin resistance to guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity, overeating, insulin resistance, or related metabolic liver problems would be most likely to benefit from future treatments based on this work.
Not a fit: People without metabolic problems or children may not receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or therapies to reduce overeating, obesity, fatty liver, and high blood sugar.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse experiments from the team showed that restoring alpha2/delta-1 in the hypothalamus reduced overeating and improved blood sugar, but translation to human treatments has not yet been tested.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RIOS, MARIBEL — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: RIOS, MARIBEL
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.