Investigating how a specific brain channel affects hunger and obesity.
Official title: The Ano4 channel in the AP is required for orexigenic action of asprosin.
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11112150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific part of the brain that helps control hunger and weight, to see how it affects eating and blood sugar levels, especially for people with type 1 diabetes and those who are overweight, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $123,908 |
| NIH project number | 1K01DK143207-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with obesity, type 1 diabetes, or those struggling with appetite regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the Ano4 channel in the area postrema of the brain, which is linked to appetite regulation and obesity. The study aims to understand how this channel influences feeding behavior and blood glucose levels, particularly in the context of type 1 diabetes and diet-induced obesity. By examining the role of the Ano4 channel and its interaction with the hormone asprosin, researchers hope to uncover new mechanisms that drive hunger and weight gain. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel treatments for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing obesity and improving metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain channels in appetite regulation, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tu, Longlong — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tu, Longlong
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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.