How diet affects repetitive behaviors in animals.
Official title: Gene Coexpression Network Regulating Repetitive Behavior under Nutritional Change.
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-10934564 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a low-carb ketogenic diet affects repetitive behaviors in Mexican cavefish and surface fish, hoping to learn more about how diet and genetics can influence behavior in animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $372,659 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148960-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934564 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions characterized by repetitive behaviors, such as autism spectrum disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not exhibit repetitive behaviors or have conditions unrelated to behavioral regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet influences repetitive behaviors in animals, particularly focusing on the Mexican cavefish and surface fish. By examining the genetic and neurocircuit changes that occur under nutritional ketosis, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind these behaviors. The researchers will analyze gene coexpression networks to identify key genes that may regulate these behaviors, providing insights into the relationship between diet, genetics, and behavior. This work could help clarify how stress and nutrition impact behavior in various species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary interventions for managing repetitive behaviors in both animals and potentially humans.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on diet and behavior, this specific approach using gene coexpression networks in the context of nutritional ketosis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoshizawa, Masato — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Yoshizawa, Masato
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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.