Investigating how nerve signals from the brain affect liver function and metabolism.
Role of cholinergic innervation of the liver
This study is looking at how signals from the brain to the liver affect how our bodies manage sugar and fat, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how the nervous system might play a role in conditions like diabetes or obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10984454 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of cholinergic innervation from the brain to the liver in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. It focuses on the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, which contains neurons that send signals to the liver. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics, the study examines how activating or silencing these nerve signals impacts blood glucose levels and liver function. This could provide insights into how the nervous system influences metabolic processes in the liver.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with metabolic disorders, particularly those related to glucose regulation.
Not a fit: Patients without metabolic disorders or those who do not have issues related to liver function may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders such as diabetes by targeting liver function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of nervous system signals in metabolism, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jo, Young-Hwan — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jo, Young-Hwan
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.