Understanding how neuropeptides affect brain circuits and behavior
Official title: Cellular and Circuit Mechanisms of Neuropeptide Signaling
Funded at Buck Institute for Research on Aging · NIH-11090372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special brain chemicals called neuropeptides affect behaviors related to energy, mood, and stress, using techniques on animals like worms and mice, to help us understand issues like obesity and mental health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Buck Institute for Research on Aging NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Novato, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $485,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM145305-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by conditions like obesity, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders linked to neuropeptide signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuropeptide signaling or those who do not have behavioral or metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neuropeptides, which are key signaling molecules in the brain, in influencing neural circuits that control various behaviors. By using advanced imaging and genetic techniques, the researchers aim to monitor and manipulate neuropeptide signaling in living animals, including worms and mice. The goal is to uncover how these neuropeptides affect vital processes such as energy regulation, mood, and stress responses, which could lead to insights into conditions like obesity and psychiatric disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions related to neuropeptide dysregulation, such as obesity and mental health disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuropeptide functions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Novato, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garrison, Jennifer L — Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Study coordinator: Garrison, Jennifer L
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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.