Investigating how GLP1R agonists help regulate weight through brain pathways
Official title: Weight Regulation by GLP1R agonists via a non-canonical hypothalamic PKA-mTORC1 mediated pathway
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11162944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new type of weight loss medication called GLP1R agonists works in the brain to help people lose weight by affecting appetite, and it aims to find out how these drugs can lead to better treatments for obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $34,370 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DK141243-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are struggling with obesity and may benefit from new weight-loss medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have obesity-related conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how GLP1R agonists, a new class of drugs for obesity treatment, work in the brain to promote weight loss. It focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved, particularly how these drugs activate a specific protein complex that influences appetite regulation. By studying certain neurons in the hypothalamus, the research aims to uncover the pathways that lead to reduced body weight when using GLP1R agonists. This could provide insights into more effective obesity treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved obesity treatments that effectively regulate weight through targeted brain pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with GLP1R agonists in weight management, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raghavan, Ritika — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Raghavan, Ritika
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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.