Linking eating disorders and drug addiction through brain activity
Official title: Neural activity-based candidate gene identification to link eating disorders and drug addiction
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11122982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how binge-eating disorder and bulimia might be similar to drug addiction by checking brain activity in rats, which could help us understand what drives these eating habits and how they might be linked.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,750 |
| NIH project number | 7UG3DA055167-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122982 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with binge-eating disorder or bulimia nervosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of eating disorders or those not experiencing compulsive eating behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between binge-eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN) with drug addiction by examining brain activity in animal models. It aims to understand how compulsive behaviors in eating disorders may share similarities with those seen in drug addiction. By using rats that have undergone drug and diet histories, the study will explore the neurobiological mechanisms that drive these compulsive appetites. The findings could help identify genetic and behavioral factors that contribute to these disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for individuals suffering from eating disorders and drug addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking behavioral patterns of addiction across different domains, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suto, Nobuyoshi — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Suto, Nobuyoshi
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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.