Understanding brain circuits in diet-induced obesity
Lateral Hypothalamic circuit dysfunction underlying the development of diet-induced obesity
This project explores how specific brain areas control eating habits and body weight, hoping to find new ways to help people with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117028 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains play a key role in how our bodies manage energy, and problems in brain circuits might lead to obesity. This project focuses on a brain area called the lateral hypothalamus (LHA), which helps control how much we eat and our body weight. We want to understand how different types of cells in the LHA work and how they change when someone develops obesity from their diet. By learning more about these brain mechanisms, we hope to discover better ways to treat obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in the underlying brain mechanisms of obesity and adult-onset diabetes mellitus.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more focused treatments for obesity by targeting specific brain circuits.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that different cell types in the LHA have opposing roles in feeding behavior and change during diet-induced obesity, suggesting this approach builds on existing findings.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rossi, Mark Allen — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Rossi, Mark Allen
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.