Investigating how a specific ion channel affects obesity and metabolic health
Official title: Ano4 and Metabolic Health
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11072849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called Anoctamin 4 affects eating habits and weight control, which can help us find new ways to manage obesity and related health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $509,969 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139583-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity or related metabolic disorders who may benefit from new treatment approaches.
✕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 understanding the role of the Anoctamin 4 (Ano4) ion channel in regulating feeding behavior and body weight control, which are critical factors in obesity and related chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study will utilize various models, including genetic editing techniques, to explore how changes in the Ano4 gene affect energy balance and glucose metabolism. By examining the physiological functions of Ano4 in specific brain neurons, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for obesity management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating obesity and its associated health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic and neural mechanisms of obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Yong — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Xu, Yong
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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.