Investigating how brain cells influence weight control and energy balance
Official title: Cilia-mediated Proliferation in Hypothalamic Tanycytes
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11068322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special brain cells that help control how our bodies manage energy and weight, and it aims to find new ways to help people struggling with obesity and related health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | December 17, 2024 |
| Project end | December 16, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,294 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DK142351-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are struggling with obesity or related metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of specialized brain cells called tanycytes in regulating energy balance and preventing obesity. By examining how these cells communicate and respond to changes in feeding behavior, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could help manage weight and related health issues. The approach involves activating specific signaling pathways in the hypothalamus to understand their effects on appetite and body weight. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for obesity and its associated conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating obesity and related diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting cilia-mediated signaling pathways can influence feeding behavior, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brewer, Kathryn M — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Brewer, Kathryn M
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.