How the brain controls eating and hunger using fruit flies
Molecular and Neural Mechanisms regulating Foraging and Food Intake
This study is looking at how the brain of fruit flies helps control their eating habits, which could help us understand why some people struggle with eating too much or too little.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10670270 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular and neural mechanisms that regulate food intake and appetite by using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model organism. The study aims to understand how the brain integrates sensory information about food with hunger signals to control eating behavior. By utilizing genetic modifications and monitoring neuronal activity, researchers hope to uncover fundamental principles that could apply to more complex organisms, including humans. The findings could provide insights into maladaptive eating behaviors and metabolic disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing eating disorders or metabolic syndromes related to appetite regulation.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues with appetite regulation or eating behaviors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating eating disorders and metabolic syndromes by improving our understanding of appetite regulation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research using similar approaches in model organisms has shown promising results in understanding neural mechanisms of behavior, suggesting potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yapici, Nilay — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Yapici, Nilay
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.