How the brain controls blood sugar
Neural mechanisms regulating glucose homeostasis
This project learns how a brain signaling system called the renin-angiotensin system affects blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330623 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Rochester are examining a specific receptor (the (pro)renin receptor) in dopamine-producing neurons of the hypothalamus to see how it influences blood sugar. The team will use laboratory experiments, including molecular and synaptic analyses and targeted manipulation of those neurons, to track effects on glucose regulation and autonomic responses. Work will rely mainly on preclinical models and tissue-based experiments to map the signaling pathways involved. The goal is to connect those brain mechanisms to the ways the body controls glucose so new treatment ideas can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes, especially those with poor glucose control or signs of autonomic dysfunction, would be most relevant to the findings.
Not a fit: People without type 2 diabetes or whose blood sugar problems are entirely due to non-neural causes may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new brain-targeted therapies to improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: There is growing evidence that brain renin-angiotensin signaling affects metabolism, but focusing on the (pro)renin receptor in these hypothalamic neurons is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng Earley, Yumei — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Feng Earley, Yumei
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.