How the brain controls eating and digestion through sensory signals
Official title: Neural circuits linking food sensory detection to endocrine and feeding control
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11092769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain of fruit flies helps them sense food and control their eating habits, which could help us understand how our own bodies manage hunger and digestion to keep us healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $454,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139131-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing metabolic disorders, such as obesity or diabetes, who may benefit from improved understanding of feeding behavior and endocrine regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or those who are not interested in the biological mechanisms of eating may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain processes sensory information related to food, such as taste and the amount of food in the digestive system, to regulate eating behavior and hormone release. Using the fruit fly as a model organism, the study aims to map the neural circuits that connect food detection to endocrine responses and feeding control. By understanding these circuits, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that maintain metabolic balance and prevent disorders related to eating and digestion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing obesity and other metabolic disorders by targeting the neural pathways involved in feeding regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar approaches in model organisms has shown promising results in understanding neural circuits related to feeding and metabolism, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Zepeng — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Yao, Zepeng
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.