Understanding how brain signals control energy balance and metabolism
Official title: Glycinergic inhibition in the ventral brainstem
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10882751 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain signals can influence how much we eat and how our bodies use energy, which could help find new ways to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $419,954 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK137224-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10882751 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes who may benefit from new treatment approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to metabolic regulation or those not experiencing issues with energy homeostasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the autonomic nervous system, which regulates energy balance, affects food intake and metabolism through brain signals. It focuses on the ventral brainstem, where specific neurons are believed to play a crucial role in controlling sympathetic nerve activity related to energy homeostasis. By exploring the interactions between different neurotransmitters, particularly glycine and GABA, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that could help manage conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel treatments targeting these neural pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes by targeting brain mechanisms that regulate metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of neurotransmitters in metabolic regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Derbenev, Andrei — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Derbenev, Andrei
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.