Understanding how temperature sensing affects fat tissue and metabolism

Metabolic Changes: Connecting temperature sensing neurons to sympathetic adipose tissue stimulation

NIH-funded research Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr · NIH-10911163

This study is looking at how temperature-sensing nerve cells affect fat tissue and hormone levels, which could help us understand and improve treatments for conditions like obesity and diabetes, so patients can learn more about how their brain and metabolism work together.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baton Rouge, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911163 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how neurons that sense temperature influence the stimulation of fat tissue, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes. It focuses on the role of leptin, a hormone that regulates energy balance, and how its levels change in response to fasting and other signals. By examining the interactions between sympathetic nervous system pathways and leptin signaling, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. Patients may benefit from insights into how their metabolic health is connected to brain function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Not a fit: Patients without metabolic disorders or neurodegenerative diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating metabolic diseases and neurodegenerative conditions by targeting the interactions between brain signals and fat tissue.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of leptin in metabolic and brain disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Baton Rouge, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.