Investigating how brain cells and structures contribute to obesity
Official title: Defining the contributions of hypothalamic microglia and perineuronal nets to obesity pathogenesis
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11091684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells and structures might influence weight gain and eating habits in mice, especially when they eat a high-fat diet, to help us understand obesity better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK140210-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders, particularly those with a history of high-fat diet consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of hypothalamic microglia and perineuronal nets in the development of obesity. It focuses on how inflammation in a specific brain region, the arcuate nucleus, affects food intake and body weight regulation. By studying mice, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind weight gain and glucose tolerance in response to high-fat diets. The study involves examining changes in brain structures and their impact on neuronal function related to energy balance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting brain mechanisms related to obesity can yield promising results, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thaler, Joshua P — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Thaler, Joshua P
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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.