Brain signals that cause nausea and queasy behavior
Molecular and circuit mechanisms of nausea-associated behaviors
This research looks at how specific brain cells and gut signals cause nausea, with the goal of helping people who suffer nausea from illness or treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11390850 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study a small brain region called the area postrema using experiments in mice to see which cells drive nausea-like behaviors. They will use molecular profiling (single-nucleus RNA sequencing) to identify distinct neuron types, then manipulate those neurons genetically and watch how animals respond to nausea triggers. The team will also trace signals from the blood and the vagus nerve to see how gut and humoral cues activate these circuits. Findings aim to reveal precise targets that could be used to develop better anti-nausea treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who experience frequent or treatment-related nausea—such as patients receiving chemotherapy or those with nausea from metabolic conditions—are the types of patients who might benefit from therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose nausea is driven primarily by motion sickness or psychological causes may not get direct benefit from findings focused on area postrema–mediated pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for medicines that better prevent or reduce nausea caused by illness or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown the area postrema controls vomiting and some existing antiemetics act on related pathways, but targeting the newly identified specific neuron populations is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Chuchu — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Chuchu
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.