Investigating how drug histories affect appetite and brain function
Official title: Extensive drug histories result in compulsive appetite: functional identification of punishment-reactive neural network re-organization in the rostromedial tegmental nucleus
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11135098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drug use might affect the brain and lead to binge-eating and bulimia, using rats to see if their past drug experiences can cause similar eating urges, which could help us understand these eating disorders better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $477,475 |
| NIH project number | 7U01DA055017-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with binge-eating disorder or bulimia nervosa, particularly those with a history of substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have eating disorders or a history of drug use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between binge-eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa (BN), and drug addiction by examining how extensive drug use influences brain changes that lead to compulsive eating behaviors. Using an animal model, the study investigates how histories of drug use, such as cocaine and alcohol, can trigger similar compulsive appetites in rats, suggesting a shared neurobiological mechanism. The research aims to identify the brain networks involved in these behaviors, which could help in understanding the underlying causes of these eating disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for individuals suffering from binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological links between addiction and compulsive behaviors, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suto, Nobuyoshi — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Suto, Nobuyoshi
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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.