Understanding how certain brain cells cause nausea and vomiting

Molecular and circuit mechanisms of nausea-associated behaviors

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11179615

This study is looking at how certain brain cells cause nausea, especially for people dealing with conditions like cancer and diabetes, to help find better ways to manage that uncomfortable feeling.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11179615 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind nausea, particularly focusing on specific neurons in the brain that trigger nausea-related behaviors. By using advanced techniques like single-nucleus RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify how these neurons respond to signals from the body and the gastrointestinal tract. The goal is to better understand the biological processes that lead to nausea, especially in the context of treatments for conditions like cancer and diabetes. This could lead to improved therapies for managing nausea and its adverse effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients experiencing nausea as a side effect of cancer treatments or other medical conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience nausea or who have conditions unrelated to nausea may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for nausea, improving the quality of life for patients undergoing various medical treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding nausea mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on the area postrema is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.