How early overfeeding changes hunger signals in the brain
Impact of early overnutrition on leptin signaling in hypothalamic neuropeptide Y neurons
This project will see how extra nutrition in early life alters leptin (a hunger hormone) signaling in brain cells that control appetite, which could matter for people at risk of adult-onset diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wyoming NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Laramie, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163396 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use laboratory models to mimic chronic overfeeding after birth and study specific hunger neurons (NPY cells) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. They will record neuron activity using brain slice electrophysiology and examine how signals change across the day and with leptin exposure. The team will look for leptin resistance and altered synaptic inputs that could explain long-term changes in appetite and metabolism. Findings aim to link early-life nutrition to later risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who were overfed or overweight in infancy, or who are currently obese or at high risk for type 2 diabetes, would be the most relevant group to benefit from these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to metabolism, appetite, or early-life nutrition are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal brain mechanisms set by early overnutrition that lead to obesity and diabetes and point to targets for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked early overnutrition to leptin resistance and later obesity, but detailed effects on ARH-NPY neuron physiology and daily rhythms remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Laramie, United States
- University of Wyoming — Laramie, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Brandon L — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Brandon L
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 below.