How cold exposure affects metabolism through specific brain circuits
Official title: GABAPVp-originated neural circuits mediate metabolic benefits during cold exposure
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11052853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being in cold temperatures affects how our bodies use energy and burn calories, focusing on certain brain cells that react to the cold, which could help us find new ways to treat obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 2, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $91,500 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DK139407-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders who may benefit from novel treatment approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to cold temperatures can influence metabolism and energy expenditure in the body. It focuses on specific neurons in the brain that are activated during cold exposure, particularly those in the posterior periventricular hypothalamic nucleus. By using advanced genetic techniques and imaging systems, the study aims to understand how these neurons contribute to regulating energy balance and glucose metabolism. This could lead to new insights into treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for managing obesity and improving metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using cold exposure to influence metabolism, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Hailan — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Liu, Hailan
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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.