Stress-sensitive brain cells and how they affect weight gain from high-fat diets
Hypothalamic CRH Neurons in Diet-induced Obesity
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11159717
Researchers are looking at how stress-responsive brain cells influence weight gain in adults who eat high-fat, high-calorie diets.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159717 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at specific stress-sensitive neurons in the hypothalamus (CRH neurons) that help control hormones and behavior related to stress and appetite. Scientists will alter these neurons' activity and track effects on body weight, hormone rhythms (like corticosteroids), and eating-related behaviors primarily using laboratory models to map brain pathways. The work links how stress and high-fat diets together change brain signaling and hormone patterns that drive overeating and weight gain. The findings are intended to point toward new targets for treatments that could prevent or reduce diet- and stress-related obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with overweight or obesity, especially those who notice weight gain linked to stress or high-fat eating, would be the most relevant patient group for outcomes from this work.
Not a fit: People without weight issues or whose obesity is driven primarily by rare genetic or non-dietary medical causes may not see direct benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify brain or hormone targets that lead to new therapies to prevent or reduce obesity related to stress and high-fat diets.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies manipulating CRH neuron activity have shown effects on diet-induced weight gain, but translating these findings into human treatments remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TONG, QINGCHUN — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: TONG, QINGCHUN
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.