Immune signaling in hypothalamic tanycytes linked to diet-related inflammation, weight gain, and blood sugar problems
The role of interferon regulatory factors in tanycytes during HFD-induced inflammation, obesity and glucose dysregulation
['FUNDING_R01'] · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11320746
This research looks at whether immune-related proteins in special brain cells called tanycytes change with a high-fat diet and contribute to obesity and blood sugar problems in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11320746 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team uses animal models fed a high‑fat diet to mimic diet-induced inflammation and metabolic changes, then focuses on tanycytes, the brain cells that sit between circulation and the hypothalamus. They use single-cell gene reading and chromatin assays to see which immune pathways, especially interferon-related regulators, turn on in those cells. The researchers will manipulate those interferon regulators to see whether turning them off or on changes inflammation, body weight, and blood sugar control. Findings will be compared with existing human data to see how the animal results might relate to people with obesity or impaired glucose regulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity or diet-related insulin resistance or high blood sugar are the most relevant patient group for translating these findings.
Not a fit: People without diet-related metabolic problems, those seeking immediate therapy, or patients with non-dietary genetic forms of obesity may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new brain-based targets to prevent or treat diet-related inflammation, obesity, and blood sugar problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work has shown that blocking hypothalamic inflammation can protect against diet-induced obesity, but targeting interferon responses specifically in tanycytes is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TSAI, LINUS TZU-YEN — BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: TSAI, LINUS TZU-YEN
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.