Investigating how brain signals control energy and glucose balance
Official title: Perineuronal Nets in the VMH Regulating Energy and Glucose Balance
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11056180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain protein called BDNF affects hunger and how our bodies use sugar, which could help us understand obesity and related health issues better, so people can learn how their own BDNF levels might influence their weight and blood sugar.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $206,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS134169-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include adults with obesity or metabolic disturbances, particularly those with genetic variations affecting BDNF signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or obesity may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in regulating energy and glucose levels in the body. It focuses on how changes in BDNF signaling can affect appetite and metabolism, particularly in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), a critical area of the brain for these functions. By studying mice with altered BDNF levels, the research aims to understand the mechanisms behind obesity and metabolic disorders, which could lead to new treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights into how their own BDNF levels affect their weight and glucose regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for obesity and metabolic disorders by targeting BDNF signaling pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of BDNF in metabolism, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rios, Maribel — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Rios, Maribel
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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.