Investigating brain neurons that affect obesity caused by diet and stress
Official title: Hypothalamic CRH Neurons in Diet-induced Obesity
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10904968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that respond to stress and high-fat foods affect weight gain, and it aims to find new ways to help manage obesity by understanding how these cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,543 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135212-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing obesity or weight management challenges, particularly those affected by stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have issues related to diet-induced obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific brain neurons, known as corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons, influence body weight regulation in response to high-fat diets and stress. By examining the activity of these neurons in the hypothalamus, researchers aim to uncover the neural mechanisms that contribute to obesity. The study will involve manipulating the activity of these neurons to observe their effects on weight gain and hormonal responses, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for obesity management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity that target the brain's regulatory pathways, potentially improving weight management and overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain pathways in obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tong, Qingchun — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Tong, Qingchun
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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.