Targeting brain support cells to fight obesity-related high blood pressure
Official title: Targeting hypothalamic astrocytes in obesity-associated hypertension
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11430131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study from the University of Iowa is looking at how brain cells called astrocytes may influence obesity-related hypertension and whether targeting them could help lower blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $622,619 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL187653-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11430131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obesity and high blood pressure may be interested in future trials exploring brain-targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without obesity-related hypertension or those who cannot participate in brain-imaging or neuromodulation studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on understanding how obesity changes brain signaling in the hypothalamus and leads to high blood pressure. Researchers will study astrocytes, a type of brain cell, and how they communicate using signals like calcium and cAMP in living animals. They will use techniques that allow precise control and observation of astrocyte activity to see how it affects nearby neurons and blood pressure. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could become targets for new treatments to reduce hypertension in people with obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new brain-based strategies to prevent or treat obesity-related hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that brain inflammation and astrocyte signaling can influence blood pressure, but in vivo mechanisms remain to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atasoy, Deniz — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Atasoy, Deniz
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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.