Understanding how brain circuits control eating behavior and weight management
Official title: A CHOLINERGIC NEUROCIRCUIT REGULATES FEEDING BEHAVIOR
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11097300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain control eating and weight, using mice to find out how specific brain cells affect hunger and body weight, which could help us understand obesity better.
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 start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $621,530 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138518-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or do not have related health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural circuits in the brain that regulate feeding behavior and body weight, focusing on specific brain regions involved in these processes. By using advanced techniques, including genetic manipulation in mouse models, the study aims to identify how certain neurons influence food intake and weight control. The researchers will explore the connections between different brain areas to understand their roles in appetite regulation and the potential impact on obesity-related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and its related health conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain circuits related to feeding behavior, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Yong — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Xu, Yong
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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.