Brainstem nerve cells that curb eating without making you feel sick
NTS Neuron Populations that Mediate the Aversive and Non-Aversive Suppression of Food Intake
This research looks at specific brainstem nerve cell types that can reduce eating without causing nausea, with the goal of helping people with overweight or obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11264920 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map cell types in a key brainstem area (the nucleus of the solitary tract) using single-nucleus gene sequencing and other molecular tools. They will use experimental approaches in the lab to activate or inhibit those neuron groups and observe effects on food intake and body weight. The team will compare those findings to human genetic signals linked to BMI to see which cell types relate to human weight differences. This work aims to identify targets that suppress appetite without causing aversive reactions or harming heart and lung function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with overweight or obesity who are interested in appetite-lowering treatments that avoid nausea would be the most relevant future candidates.
Not a fit: People whose weight issues are driven primarily by other medical conditions, medications, or psychiatric causes (for example anorexia nervosa driven by psychological factors) may not benefit from these specific neural-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to reduce appetite and treat obesity without causing nausea or adverse cardiovascular or respiratory effects.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have already shown that activating some NTS neuron types can reduce eating without aversion, but translating those findings into safe, effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myers, Martin G — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Myers, Martin G
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.