How the hormone FGF21 in the brain may cause high blood pressure in obesity
Role of FGF21 Action in Hypothalamic Neurons in Obesity-Associated Hypertension
This work tests whether the hormone FGF21 acting in specific brain cells causes high blood pressure in people with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235148 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using genetically engineered mice to see how FGF21 signals in a specific set of hypothalamus neurons (SF1 neurons) affect blood pressure in obesity. They will turn these neurons on or off using techniques like optogenetics and chemogenetics while measuring sympathetic nerve activity and arterial pressure in freely moving animals. The team will compare results in normal-weight and obese animals to find how obesity changes this hormonal–brain circuit. Findings could point to brain-based targets to lower blood pressure in people with obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity who have high blood pressure would be the most relevant group for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People whose high blood pressure is unrelated to obesity, children, and pregnant people are less likely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, the findings could reveal new brain-targeted ways to lower blood pressure in people with obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have linked FGF21 to metabolism, but using hypothalamic SF1 neuron manipulation to explain obesity-related hypertension is a novel approach not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rahmouni, Kamal — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Rahmouni, Kamal
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.