Investigating how specific brain circuits influence obesity and metabolic diseases
Official title: Role of hypothalamic SH2B1 neurocircuits and SH2B1 signal transduction pathways in obesity and metabolic disease
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11022271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called SH2B1 in the brain that helps control weight and metabolism, and it aims to find out how it affects appetite and energy use, which could lead to better treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $595,858 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141559-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metabolic disorders unrelated to obesity or those who do not have a neurological component to their condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called SH2B1 in the brain's hypothalamus, which is crucial for regulating body weight and metabolism. By studying how SH2B1-expressing neurons interact with other brain regions, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. The approach includes advanced techniques like optogenetics to manipulate neuron activity and observe changes in appetite and energy balance. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for obesity and related metabolic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain circuits in obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rui, Liangyou — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Rui, Liangyou
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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.