Gene network that links weighty brain signals to repetitive behavior in ketosis
Official title: Gene Coexpression Network Regulating Repetitive Behavior under Nutritional Change.
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-11384099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how a ketogenic diet might change brain signals to reduce repetitive behaviors in an animal model.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $372,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148960-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this animal study.
✕Less likely to help
No direct benefit to patients at this stage since the work is in animal models.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how a gene coexpression network influences repetitive behaviors when animals experience ketosis, using cavefish and surface fish to model human-like variation. They will map brain pathways tied to dopamine and GABA signaling and connect these to behavior under different nutritional states. By identifying hub genes in this network, they hope to explain why ketosis may dampen repetitive actions and how genetics shapes this response. The work combines animal behavior assays with gene analysis to build a foundation for future studies in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide future dietary or molecular strategies to help people with conditions characterized by repetitive behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in animals suggest diet and metabolism can influence brain circuits related to repetitive behaviors, but this specific gene network approach is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoshizawa, Masato — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Yoshizawa, Masato
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.