How certain brain neurons influence eating behavior
Official title: Forebrain Proenkaphalin Neurons Regulate Feeding
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11135456 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain brain cells that help control how hungry we feel and how much we eat, which could lead to better treatments for eating disorders and obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $557,532 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138123-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135456 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit would include individuals struggling with obesity or eating disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metabolic disorders unrelated to appetite regulation may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific neurons in the forebrain that are believed to regulate feeding behavior. By examining how these neurons function, the study aims to understand their impact on appetite and food intake. The approach may involve animal models and advanced imaging techniques to observe neuronal activity and its effects on feeding patterns. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the neurological control of hunger and satiety, which could lead to new treatments for eating disorders or obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing eating disorders and obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the neurological mechanisms of feeding behavior, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Yong — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Xu, Yong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multimodal AI to improve genetic diagnosis of congenital heart disease
A new AI tool uses multiple types of patient data to help doctors find genetic causes of congenital heart disease more accurately.
-
Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Children
This project watches how often common vaccines prevent illnesses in kids who are in the hospital or at the emergency department, and compares them with healthy children getting well-child care.
-
Triple gene therapy approach to heal the heart after a heart attack
A new therapy combines three genetic approaches delivered by a virus to help the heart heal after a heart attack.
-
Thalamic sleep circuit changes in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how sleep-related brain activity in a key sleep regulator called the TRN affects Alzheimer’s progression and whether boosting TRN function could slow symptoms.
-
Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast signaling in atrial fibrillation
A researcher at Baylor College of Medicine is studying how signals between heart muscle cells and supportive heart cells influence atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this common heart rhythm problem.
-
UMPIRE: Keeping Kidneys Healthy for Babies with Spina Bifida
A care protocol for newborns with spina bifida aims to protect kidney function by thoughtful bladder management and monitoring from birth.
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.