How fat signals in the brain control hunger and metabolism
Hypothalamic lipid signaling in metabolism regulation
Researchers will learn how fat-related signals inside specific brain cells influence hunger and how the body uses energy, which matters for people with appetite or weight problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11392238 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear about work that focuses on AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus, the brain cells that drive hunger, and on how these cells process fats and make signaling lipids like S1P. The team uses laboratory experiments in cells and animal models to track where S1P is made, how proteins that shape mitochondria and ER-mitochondria contacts control lipid handling, and how those changes affect feeding behavior. They manipulate key proteins and enzymes involved in mitochondrial fusion/fission and sphingolipid synthesis and then measure effects on neuron activity and metabolism. The goal is to connect molecular changes inside neurons to whole-body appetite and energy use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with disorders of appetite or weight regulation, such as obesity or unexplained increased appetite, would be the most relevant candidates for related studies or future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions do not involve appetite or metabolic regulation (for example isolated orthopedic injuries or conditions unrelated to energy balance) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for therapies to help people with excessive hunger, obesity, or other metabolism-related appetite problems.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies in animals have linked mitochondrial shape and lipid metabolism to hunger neuron activity and have suggested roles for sphingolipids, but translating these findings to patient treatments is still at an early, preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diano, Sabrina — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Diano, Sabrina
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.