Understanding how certain brain cells control hunger
Official title: Feedforward Activation of AgRP Neurons and Hunger
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11134422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that control hunger respond to different signals, like food smells or sights, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about appetite and finding new ways to manage weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,395 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134427-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or appetite regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eating disorders unrelated to hunger regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of AgRP neurons in regulating hunger and how their activity is influenced by various signals. Traditionally, it was believed that these neurons were primarily controlled by feedback from the body's energy stores, such as leptin and insulin levels. However, recent findings suggest that sensory cues related to food can also rapidly activate these neurons, independent of energy balance. By monitoring AgRP neuron activity in real-time, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that trigger hunger responses, potentially leading to innovative approaches for managing appetite and obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for controlling hunger and managing weight-related issues.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of feedforward activation of AgRP neurons is relatively novel, previous studies have successfully explored feedback mechanisms in appetite regulation.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lowell, Bradford B — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lowell, Bradford B
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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.