How brain support cells (astrocytes) influence weight on high-fat diets
Astrocytic regulation of energy balance on high-fat diet
This work looks at whether a protein on brain support cells called TrkB.T changes eating and body weight for people who gain weight on high-fat diets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11331262 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient perspective, researchers use a mouse model where a gene for the TrkB.T receptor is removed specifically in mature astrocytes to see how that change affects eating and body weight when animals eat a high-fat diet. They measure food intake, body weight, and energy expenditure and examine changes in the hypothalamus area that controls appetite. The team also studies cellular signals such as calcium and related molecular pathways in brain tissue to understand how astrocytes influence neurons. Findings are preclinical but aim to reveal whether blocking astrocyte TrkB.T reduces overeating and protects against diet-induced obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is preclinical in mice and does not enroll patients now, but its results would most directly apply to people with obesity related to overeating or high-fat diets.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment or enrollment will not benefit directly because the work is performed in animal models rather than in human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the findings translate to humans, they could point to new ways to reduce overeating and prevent or treat obesity by targeting astrocyte signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies link BDNF/TrkB signaling to body-weight control in mice and humans, but targeting the astrocyte-specific TrkB.T receptor in diet-induced obesity is a newer preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Baoji — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Xu, Baoji
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.