Understanding Brain Signals for Body Weight
Genetically Dissecting Cholinergic Signaling in Body Weight Control
This research explores how specific brain signals, called cholinergic circuits, help control appetite and body weight, which could lead to new ways to manage obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168012 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Obesity and related conditions like diabetes and heart disease are major health concerns. While much attention has been on certain brain areas, this project looks at other parts of the brain, specifically the basal forebrain and amygdala, and how their communication affects eating habits and metabolism. We aim to uncover the exact ways these brain circuits influence body weight, using advanced techniques to observe and adjust brain activity in models. This work could reveal fundamental mechanisms behind how our bodies manage weight.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals living with obesity or those at risk of obesity-related diseases in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct participation in a human clinical trial will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of obesity and potentially inspire new treatments that target specific brain pathways to help people manage their weight.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have focused on other brain regions, this research explores a newly identified mechanism involving cholinergic signaling, making it a novel approach to understanding body weight control.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arenkiel, Benjamin R — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Arenkiel, Benjamin R
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.