Investigating how Hedgehog signaling affects energy balance in the brain.
How Hedgehog Contributes to Centrally Mediated Energy Homeostasis?
This study is looking at how a brain signal called Hedgehog affects hunger and energy balance, which could help us understand why some people struggle with overeating and obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061835 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of Hedgehog (HH) signaling in the hypothalamus, a brain region crucial for regulating energy balance and feeding behavior. By studying how HH influences neuronal activity and communication, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to obesity and related health issues. The team will identify the sources of HH signals and their effects on specific neurons, potentially leading to new insights into how energy homeostasis is maintained in adults. This could help in understanding why some individuals overeat and become obese.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are struggling with obesity or related metabolic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have issues related to 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 and treating obesity and its associated health complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting signaling pathways like Hedgehog can influence metabolic processes, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berbari, Nicolas F — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Berbari, Nicolas F
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.