Understanding how a specific protein affects appetite and obesity
Role of hypothalamic IRF3 transcriptional dysregulation in obesity
This study is looking at how a protein called IRF3 in the brain affects hunger and weight, especially in mice that gain weight from their diet, to help find new ways to treat obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914285 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 (IRF3) in the brain's appetite control center, specifically in neurons that regulate energy balance. By using advanced techniques, the study aims to understand how changes in IRF3 affect feeding behavior and body weight in mice, particularly in the context of diet-induced obesity. The researchers will conduct experiments to manipulate IRF3 levels and analyze the resulting effects on appetite and sensitivity to leptin, a hormone that helps regulate energy balance. This work could provide insights into new treatments for obesity by targeting specific molecular pathways involved in appetite regulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or related metabolic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by obesity or do not have metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating obesity by targeting the molecular mechanisms that control appetite.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding appetite regulation through molecular mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heyward, Frankie Darryn — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Heyward, Frankie Darryn
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.