Investigating how nerve signals from the brain affect liver function and metabolism.
Official title: Role of cholinergic innervation of the liver
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10984454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | December 23, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $505,255 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134333-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with metabolic disorders, particularly those related to glucose regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic disorders or those who do not have issues related to liver function may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Participatory system dynamics to improve PrEP access in the Bronx
A community-driven project in the Bronx will use system dynamics to identify practical ways to help people at risk for HIV start and stay on PrEP.
-
Collaborative research network program for advancements in health science
A NIH-funded multi-institution project aims to advance health science through coordinated research efforts over five years for potential patient benefits.
-
Collaborative NIH Initiative to Advance Health
A national team project aims to make progress in a broad health area with potential benefits for patients.
-
A decentralized, post-incarceration program to help people living with or at risk for HIV
A patient-facing program called DEST2nation aims to help people recently released from jail or prison stay on HIV treatment (ART) and prevention (PrEP) by coordinating care, housing, and support services through peers and community organizations.
-
Project-002: a patient-facing look at a multi-institution effort
A concise, patient-friendly overview of a multi-site NIH project that may explore new approaches to health care over several years.
-
Plug-and-play vaccine and antibody blueprints for emerging flu-like viruses
A multi-team NIH grant aims to create adaptable vaccine and antibody blueprints to rapidly respond to new enveloped RNA viruses in three families.
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.