How brain circuits control eating and dopamine levels
Official title: Cerebellar-striatal circuits for control of dopamine activity and food intake
Funded at Scintillon Institute for Photobiology · NIH-11074589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain areas help control our eating habits and feelings of reward when we eat, which could help us find new ways to treat eating disorders and obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scintillon Institute for Photobiology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | April 16, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $681,297 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134857-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074589 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or appetite disorders who may benefit from understanding the neurological basis of their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to food intake or obesity may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific brain circuits, particularly those involving the cerebellum and striatum, in regulating food intake and dopamine activity. By studying unique neurons activated during eating, the research aims to understand how these neurons influence appetite and the brain's reward system. The approach includes advanced techniques to analyze neuronal activity and its effects on food consumption and metabolic responses. Patients may benefit from insights into how these brain mechanisms can be targeted to address eating disorders and obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity and appetite disorders by targeting brain circuits that control eating behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain mechanisms related to appetite control, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Albert — Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
- Study coordinator: Chen, Albert
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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.