Investigating how genetic factors affect obesity through brain cells
Official title: Human hypothalamic neuronal epigenomics and risk for obesity
Funded at Texas A&m University-San Antonio · NIH-10836243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might affect obesity by examining brain cells that help control our energy balance, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding the biological factors behind weight gain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University-San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $389,421 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK114661-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10836243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of obesity or those who are genetically predisposed to weight gain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not genetically predisposed to obesity or those with obesity due to environmental factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how genetic variations influence obesity by focusing on the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates energy balance. Researchers will use human induced pluripotent stem cells to create neuronal cultures that mimic hypothalamic neurons, allowing them to study the molecular mechanisms involved in obesity. By mapping the regulatory landscape of these neurons, the research seeks to identify specific genetic factors that contribute to obesity risk. This approach overcomes challenges related to accessing human brain tissue for study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions and therapies for obesity based on genetic insights.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using iPSC-derived neuronal cultures is innovative, similar research has shown promise in understanding genetic influences on other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University-San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lehman, Donna M — Texas A&m University-San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Lehman, Donna M
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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.