Understanding how certain brain neurons control hunger
Official title: Deconstruct Raphe Serotonin Neurons that Regulate Satiety
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11076243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that use serotonin help control our feelings of hunger and fullness, which could lead to new ways to manage weight and treat obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $494,007 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136592-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are struggling with weight management or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have issues related to appetite or weight management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of serotonin neurons in the brain that influence feelings of hunger and satiety. By focusing on specific receptors in the hypothalamus, the study aims to uncover how these neurons interact to regulate food intake. The researchers will use advanced imaging techniques to observe the activity of these neurons in real-time, providing insights into their function and potential therapeutic targets for weight management. This work could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity by targeting the brain's hunger regulation pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting serotonin pathways for weight loss, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier successes.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Chen — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Liu, Chen
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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.