Investigating brain mechanisms that control food intake and body weight

NTS Neuron Populations that Mediate the Aversive and Non-Aversive Suppression of Food Intake

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11019368

This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the brain called the brainstem affect how much we eat and our body weight, which could help us understand better how our brains control hunger and energy balance.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11019368 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores how specific neuron populations in the brainstem influence food intake and body weight regulation. By examining the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the study aims to understand how different types of neurons respond to signals from the gut and other sources to either suppress or promote eating behaviors. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like single nucleus RNA sequencing to identify and characterize these neurons and their roles in energy balance. This could lead to new insights into how the brain regulates appetite and body weight over the long term.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals struggling with obesity or anorexia, as well as those interested in understanding the biological basis of their eating behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders unrelated to appetite regulation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity and eating disorders by targeting specific brain mechanisms that control appetite.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain mechanisms related to appetite control, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.