How steroid hormones act on the brain receptor GPR123 tied to metabolism
GPR123 Activation by Steroid Ligands
This project looks at how steroid hormones interact with the brain receptor GPR123, which could be important for metabolism and related disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306103 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use lab-grown cells and biochemical tests to see whether steroid molecules bind to and activate GPR123. They will measure which signaling routes are turned on — G protein pathways versus arrestin pathways — to understand signaling “bias.” The team will also study receptor structure to pinpoint how steroids trigger GPR123. These basic discoveries are intended to guide future drug development aimed at metabolic and other human diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metabolic disorders (for example obesity or diabetes) or conditions linked to steroid signaling in the brain are the populations most likely to benefit from future therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to steroid signaling or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new drug targets or strategies to treat metabolic disorders involving brain steroid signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Related research has shown steroids can act rapidly through G protein-coupled receptors, but GPR123 as a steroid-activated receptor is a newer and largely unexplored finding.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, Randy a. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Hall, Randy a.
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.