How the brain regulates protein intake through a hormone called FGF21

Neural circuits coordinating protein intake: Role of FGF21

NIH-funded research Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr · NIH-10892184

This study looks at how a hormone called FGF21 helps the brain control how much protein we eat when our diets change, using mice to learn more about the brain's role in making food choices, which could help us understand how to improve our eating habits for better health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baton Rouge, United States)
Project IDNIH-10892184 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the brain uses the hormone FGF21 to regulate protein intake in response to dietary changes. It focuses on understanding the neural circuits involved in sensing protein levels and how this affects eating behavior. By studying mice, the researchers aim to identify specific brain areas and mechanisms that influence macronutrient choices, particularly protein consumption. This could provide valuable insights into dietary habits and how they can be modified for better health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in understanding how dietary choices affect their health, particularly those with concerns about protein intake.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to dietary habits or protein intake may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving dietary habits and managing conditions related to nutrition.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of hormones in dietary behavior, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Baton Rouge, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.