Targeting Brain Cells to Control Appetite and Body Weight
High-dimensional chemical targeting of multiple neuron types to regulate energy balance
This research aims to find new ways to control appetite and reduce body weight by precisely targeting multiple types of brain cells, hoping to create better treatments for obesity and diabetes with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179475 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current medications for obesity and diabetes can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea and vomiting because they often target only one type of brain cell. We know that many different brain cells work together to control how much we eat. This project will explore how to adjust the activity of several of these brain cell types at the same time, using advanced chemical methods guided by artificial intelligence. Our goal is to develop more effective ways to make people feel full and help them lose weight, without the common side effects of existing drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is ultimately for individuals living with obesity and type 2 diabetes who struggle with current treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients without obesity or diabetes would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective treatments for obesity and diabetes that have fewer side effects than current medications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that manipulating multiple neuron types together is more effective at reducing food intake than targeting single types, suggesting promise for this combined approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andermann, Mark L — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Andermann, Mark L
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.