Investigating how leptin signaling affects energy balance and gut health
A Small Contribution to a Large Problem: Leptin-Signaling and the Gut-Brain Axis
This study is looking at how a hormone called leptin affects the balance of good bacteria in our gut and how this might relate to our diet and overall health, which could help people manage their energy levels better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10890821 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of leptin, a hormone that regulates energy balance, and its receptor in influencing gut microbiota composition. By using a combination of advanced techniques such as molecular dynamic simulations and in vivo experiments with fruit flies, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of leptin signaling. The goal is to understand how diet and gut health interact with leptin to affect overall energy homeostasis. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how leptin signaling can be targeted for better health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders who may benefit from improved understanding of leptin's role in energy regulation.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing obesity and related metabolic disorders by targeting leptin signaling.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding leptin signaling can lead to significant advancements in treating metabolic disorders.
Where this research is happening
Honolulu, United States
- University of Hawaii at Manoa — Honolulu, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haglund, Ellinor — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Haglund, Ellinor
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.