Understanding Brain Circuits in the Cerebellum for Eating Behaviors and Body Weight
Neuroanatomic and Functional Characterization of Cerebellar Circuits Mediating Ingestive Behaviors
This project explores how a part of the brain called the cerebellum helps control eating habits and body weight, which is important for preventing and treating obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that understanding the brain's interconnected pathways that manage body weight is crucial for addressing obesity. This work aims to uncover a new role for the cerebellum, a brain region traditionally linked to movement, in influencing how we eat. Recent discoveries suggest the cerebellum's powerful learning and control abilities extend to behaviors like eating. Using advanced techniques in mice, we will map and observe these brain circuits to better understand their function in feeding.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for individuals living with obesity or eating disorders, as it seeks to uncover basic mechanisms that could inform future treatments.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this basic science research, as it is conducted in animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and treat obesity by targeting specific brain circuits.
How similar studies have performed: While the cerebellum's role in movement is well-known, its specific involvement in feeding behaviors related to obesity is a novel area building on recent preliminary findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sawtell, Nathaniel — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Sawtell, Nathaniel
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.