Fatty acid–binding proteins and how they control appetite
Official title: Molecular Drivers of FABP-mediated Endocannabinoid Signaling for Appetite Regulation
Funded at City College of New York · NIH-11385775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how proteins that carry natural cannabinoids change hunger signals and body weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | City College of New York NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $77,402 |
| NIH project number | 3R16GM145403-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with overweight, obesity, or type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes interested in research on appetite and metabolic signals would be most relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People without metabolic or weight concerns, children, or pregnant people would be unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
This work studies small proteins called FABPs that shuttle natural endocannabinoids, which help regulate hunger and metabolism. Researchers will use lab-based biochemical tests and animal models to measure how these molecules bind, move, and are broken down at near-physiological levels. They will map binding sites and molecular changes to explain why some patterns lead to weight gain while others do not. Trainees at multiple career stages will participate in the experiments and analyses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new drug targets or tests to help control appetite, reduce obesity, and improve diabetes care.
How similar studies have gone: Mouse studies have linked FABP and PPAR changes to obesity, but the detailed molecular transport and binding mechanisms in human-relevant conditions are largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
City College of New York
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stark, Ruth E. — City College of New York
- Study coordinator: Stark, Ruth E.
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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.