Brainstem neurons that drive hunger
Orexigenic AgRP neurons in the brainstem
This project is looking at a newly found group of brainstem neurons that can increase appetite in adults, to help guide better treatments for overeating and obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249247 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study a newly discovered population of AgRP-expressing neurons in brainstem areas called the area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract. They will trace where these cells connect in the brain, measure how metabolic signals and hormones change their activity, and test how turning them on or off changes food intake. Experiments will use laboratory neurobiology techniques and animal models to compare these hindbrain neurons with the well-known hypothalamic AgRP neurons. The work aims to clarify how different brain circuits control hunger and identify possible targets for appetite-modifying therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity or problematic overeating are the people most likely to benefit from therapies that could come from this research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or those with conditions unrelated to appetite and weight are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical, animal-based research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for drugs or other therapies to reduce excessive appetite and help treat obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has firmly shown hypothalamic AgRP neurons drive feeding, but the identification of a related brainstem AgRP population is new and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Allison W — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Xu, Allison W
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.