How certain brain cells control eating and body weight
Official title: Neurobiological mechanisms of energy balance control by hindbrain Prlh-expressing neurons
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11446512 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying specific brain cells in the hind brain that influence how much you eat and how your body weight is regulated, with a focus on people who struggle with obesity or related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $752,267 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK142653-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446512 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with obesity, eating disorders, or disease-associated anorexia/cachexia who might benefit from new brain-targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without obesity or appetite-related disorders may not directly benefit from this brain-circuit study.
What this research studies
This project looks at the neural circuits in the dorsal vagal complex, including the area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract, to understand how signals from the gut and blood affect hunger and fullness. Using mouse models and viral tools, the team will identify how Prlh-expressing neurons in the NTS influence meal size and overall energy balance without causing negative side effects like aversion. The goal is to uncover cellular mechanisms that could lead to safer, more tolerable obesity therapies. While much of the work is in animals, findings are intended to translate into better treatments for humans with eating disorders, obesity, or disease-related anorexia. Overall, the research aims to map the brain pathways that regulate eating to inform future therapies that help people maintain a healthy weight.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new obesity treatments that reduce hunger or change meal size without causing nausea or other uncomfortable side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows Prlh neurons can regulate eating, with potential for developing safer therapies; this project builds on that foundation with new models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goforth, Paulette B. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Goforth, Paulette B.
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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.