How dopamine affects obesity in mice
Official title: Dopaminergic control of obesity in mice
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11132635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how dopamine affects weight gain in mice to see if boosting dopamine can help prevent obesity, which could lead to new ways to manage weight without needing to take medicine forever.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $530,596 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136810-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals struggling with obesity who have not found success with traditional weight loss methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or those who have conditions unrelated to dopamine function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of dopamine in weight management by studying how changes in dopamine function influence obesity in mice. The researchers hypothesize that as mice gain weight, their dopamine release decreases, leading to overeating and further weight gain. By exploring methods to boost dopamine release, such as using specific drugs, the study aims to identify potential new treatments that could help manage obesity without the need for lifelong medication. This approach could provide insights into more effective weight loss strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity that do not require continuous medication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that manipulating dopamine levels can influence weight loss, suggesting that this approach has potential based on earlier findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kravitz, Alexxai V — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kravitz, Alexxai V
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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.