Understanding how estradiol affects feeding behavior in males and females
Official title: Hypothalamic gating of the anorexic effects of estradiol
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11105902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the hormone estradiol affects eating habits in males and females by focusing on certain brain cells that help control appetite, which could help us understand more about why some people struggle with weight and eating.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $508,161 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136073-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a keen interest in understanding hormonal influences on appetite, particularly those affected by eating disorders or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hormonal imbalances or eating disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the hormone estradiol influences feeding behavior differently in males and females by focusing on specific neurons in the hypothalamus. The study aims to explore the role of somatostatin-producing neurons in regulating appetite and how their function changes based on reproductive and metabolic states. By using advanced techniques in mice, researchers will manipulate these neurons and observe the effects on feeding patterns, particularly during different phases of the estrous cycle and varying body weights. This research could provide insights into the biological mechanisms behind appetite control and obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing eating disorders and obesity by targeting specific neural pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding the role of hormones in feeding behavior, but this specific approach focusing on sex differences and hypothalamic neurons is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Correa, Stephanie — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Correa, Stephanie
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.