Investigating how certain brain cells respond to high-fat diets and inflammation
The role of interferon regulatory factors in tanycytes during HFD-induced inflammation, obesity and glucose dysregulation
This study is looking at special brain cells called tanycytes to see how they react to high-fat diets, which can cause weight gain and inflammation, and it aims to help people understand how these changes might affect hunger and energy levels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11055307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of tanycytes, specialized cells in the brain, in response to high-fat diets that can lead to inflammation and obesity. By examining how these cells interact with the surrounding environment and their genetic responses, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to obesity and glucose dysregulation. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression changes in these cells. This could provide insights into how diet-induced inflammation affects appetite and energy balance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing issues related to obesity or metabolic dysregulation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammation in the brain can have significant effects on obesity, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsai, Linus Tzu-Yen — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tsai, Linus Tzu-Yen
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 below.