Investigating brain mechanisms that control food intake and body weight
Official title: NTS Neuron Populations that Mediate the Aversive and Non-Aversive Suppression of Food Intake
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11019368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $502,233 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141495-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders unrelated to appetite regulation may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myers, Martin G — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Myers, Martin G
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.