Investigating how a specific brain receptor affects eating and anxiety behaviors
Official title: Melanocortin-3 receptor in feeding and anxiety neural circuits
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11221656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain receptor called MC3R affects eating habits and feelings of anxiety, hoping to find out how problems in this area might lead to issues like overeating and anxiety disorders, which could help people struggling with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 3, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DK133560-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11221656 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who experience issues related to eating behaviors or anxiety disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any eating disorders or anxiety-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) in the brain, which is believed to connect the neural circuits that control feeding and anxiety. By studying how these circuits communicate, the research aims to understand how disruptions can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors and anxiety disorders. The approach involves examining the effects of MC3R on feeding and anxiety in animal models, particularly focusing on specific brain regions involved in these behaviors. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying obesity and anxiety-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity and anxiety disorders by targeting the MC3R pathway.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of similar neural circuits in feeding and anxiety, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bedenbaugh, Michelle — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Bedenbaugh, Michelle
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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.