Understanding how a specific brain area regulates body weight and metabolism
Official title: PERIFORNICAL AREA OF THE ANTERIOR HYPOTHALAMUS REGULATES METABOLIC BALANCE
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10992553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific part of the brain in mice to see how it helps control hunger and energy use, which could help us find new ways to treat obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $81,892 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DK138685-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992553 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, particularly children and adults, who are affected by obesity or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing issues with weight management or metabolic balance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the perifornical area of the anterior hypothalamus in regulating energy balance and metabolism, particularly in the context of obesity. By studying mice, the researchers aim to understand how certain structures in this brain region influence appetite and energy expenditure. They will employ various techniques, including genetic and pharmacological methods, to explore how disruptions in these structures affect weight gain and fat accumulation. The ultimate goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating obesity, benefiting patients struggling with weight management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the hypothalamus in energy regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fang, Xing — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Fang, Xing
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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.