Understanding how specific brain neurons affect appetite during inflammation
Official title: Determining CGRP neuron contribution to inflammation-induced anorexia
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11071941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific brain cells might cause a loss of appetite in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with the hope of finding new ways to help those who struggle to eat because of their condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $45,316 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DK138766-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease who experience loss of appetite.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without inflammatory bowel disease or those not experiencing anorexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain neurons in the brain, specifically CGRP neurons, contribute to loss of appetite during chronic inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By using advanced techniques such as in vivo calcium imaging and genetic modulation, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that lead to anorexia in patients with IBD. The goal is to better understand how inflammation affects food intake and energy balance, which could lead to new treatments for those suffering from anorexia related to chronic illness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing anorexia in patients with inflammatory diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on CGRP neurons in this context is novel, previous research has shown success in understanding appetite regulation through neural mechanisms in other inflammatory conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Province, Haley — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Province, Haley
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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.