FGF21 and how the body detects low protein to guide eating
Official title: FGF21 and the detection of dietary protein restriction
Funded at Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr · NIH-11446615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team is studying how the liver hormone FGF21 helps the brain detect low protein in the diet and influences people (and animals) to seek and eat more protein.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $503,295 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK144477-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals concerned with diet, appetite, metabolism, or protein intake who might benefit from future therapies or guidance related to protein balance.
✕Less likely to help
People without interest in metabolic health or appetite regulation may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a liver hormone called FGF21 tells the brain that dietary protein is scarce, helping the body decide to seek protein. Researchers focus on a specific brain cell group that responds to FGF21 and how turning off these cells changes energy use and food intake when protein is limited. By studying these neural pathways, the team hopes to map how metabolism and feeding behavior are adjusted under low-protein conditions. The work combines animal models and brain biology to understand protein balance and eating choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this pathway could lead to strategies that support healthier protein balance and appetite in people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that FGF21 signaling influences feeding and energy use in animals, supporting potential translation to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morrison, Christopher D — Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
- Study coordinator: Morrison, Christopher D
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.