Hedgehog signaling in the brain and its role in appetite and weight control
How Hedgehog Contributes to Centrally Mediated Energy Homeostasis?
This research is finding out how a brain signaling system called Hedgehog changes appetite and body weight in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319808 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying Hedgehog signaling and the tiny antennae on brain cells (primary cilia) that help cells communicate to control feeding. They will identify where Hedgehog signals come from and which cells in the adult hypothalamus respond. The team will test how turning these signals on or off changes neuronal activity that controls eating, using laboratory models and cellular recordings. The work aims to link molecular signaling to long-term energy balance and body weight.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with overweight or obesity or people with appetite-related disorders would be the most likely future candidates for related treatments.
Not a fit: Children, people without weight or appetite problems, and individuals whose weight issues stem solely from non-neural medical causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new brain targets that lead to treatments to reduce overeating and obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies have connected primary cilia and Hedgehog signaling to feeding behavior, but moving from these findings to human therapies is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berbari, Nicolas F — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Berbari, Nicolas F
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.