Understanding how diet affects the brain's natural appetite control for diabetes and weight
Pathophysiological mechanisms in the brain's endogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 system mediated by obesogenic diets
This project explores how high-fat diets change the brain's natural system for controlling appetite and body weight, which could help people with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161310 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people use medicines that target a system called GLP-1 to help manage type 2 diabetes and lose weight, but these medicines have some drawbacks. We want to understand more about the body's own GLP-1 system, especially in the brain, and how it contributes to obesity. Our team will look closely at how specific brain cells that produce GLP-1 are affected by a high-fat diet. By studying these brain cells and their connections, we hope to uncover new ways to improve treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who live with adult-onset diabetes mellitus and obesity.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments will not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity by targeting the brain's natural appetite control.
How similar studies have performed: While current GLP-1 medications are successful, this project explores the less understood endogenous brain GLP-1 system, offering a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hardaway, James Andrew — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Hardaway, James Andrew
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 below.