Understanding How a Brain Protein Affects Diabetes and Appetite
Divergent Mechanisms Underlying Anorexic and Antidiabetic Actions of FGF1 in the Brain
This research explores how a protein called FGF1, when given in the brain, can help lower blood sugar for a long time and also temporarily reduce appetite in models of type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136556 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our team previously found that a single injection of FGF1 into the brain of rodents with type 2 diabetes could keep their blood sugar levels healthy for weeks or even months. We also noticed that FGF1 caused a strong but temporary decrease in appetite. This appetite effect has paused efforts to bring FGF1-based diabetes treatments to people. Now, we are working to understand exactly how FGF1 works in the brain to both lower blood sugar and affect appetite, focusing on specific brain cells that control these responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not currently recruiting patients, but future studies may seek individuals with type 2 diabetes who struggle with blood sugar control and appetite regulation.
Not a fit: Patients without type 2 diabetes or those not interested in novel brain-targeted therapies would not directly benefit from this specific research at its current stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat type 2 diabetes by targeting brain pathways, potentially offering long-lasting blood sugar control and better appetite management.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings in rodent and primate models have shown that FGF1 can indeed lower blood sugar and affect appetite, indicating a promising but complex area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartz, Michael W — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Schwartz, Michael W
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.