Investigating how specific neurons in the brain influence taste and eating behavior
Official title: Functional role of Gastrin Releasing Peptide (GRP) and GRP expressing neurons in the gustatory cortex
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11086020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that respond to hunger and thirst affect our taste and eating choices, helping us understand how our brain controls what we want to eat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $587,565 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020722-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in understanding the neurological basis of appetite and eating behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders unrelated to appetite regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and GRP-expressing neurons in the gustatory cortex, which is responsible for processing taste information. By studying how these neurons respond to hunger and thirst signals, the research aims to understand their influence on feeding behavior and decision-making related to food consumption. The approach includes advanced imaging and electrophysiological techniques to observe neural activity in response to various stimuli. The findings could provide insights into how the brain regulates appetite and food intake.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing eating behaviors and addressing conditions like obesity or eating disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of appetite regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fontanini, Alfredo — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Fontanini, Alfredo
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.