How a brain region controls body weight through nutrient sensing
Official title: Body weight control by hypothalamic OGT
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10912799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein in the brain helps control weight and blood sugar levels, which could lead to new treatments for obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $652,546 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137467-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders, particularly those with difficulties in weight management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) in regulating body weight and blood glucose levels. It focuses on a specific protein, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which helps the VMH sense nutrients and hormones to maintain energy balance. By using advanced techniques like neural tracing and electrophysiological recordings, the study aims to understand how OGT influences fat tissue function and body weight regulation. Patients may benefit from insights into new treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing obesity and related metabolic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the hypothalamus in metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Xiaoyong — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Xiaoyong
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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.