Understanding how the brain controls sugar levels during stress
Identifying functional and anatomic mechanisms of glucose mobilization by cholecystokinin b receptor containing neurons in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus
This research explores how specific brain cells help the body manage sugar when we are under stress, which could impact conditions like diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118841 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies naturally release sugar to give us energy when we face stress, but too much or long-term stress can lead to problems like diabetes. This project aims to uncover the exact brain circuits and mechanisms that control this sugar release. We are focusing on a particular group of brain cells in the hypothalamus that appear to coordinate the body's response to stress, including how it mobilizes sugar and fat. By understanding these cells, we hope to learn more about how the brain influences our metabolism during stressful times.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand basic biological processes relevant to individuals experiencing chronic stress or those at risk for stress-induced metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing stress-related metabolic issues or those with unrelated conditions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or manage stress-related metabolic issues, including the development of diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While the sympathetic nervous system's role in stress response is known, the specific brain mechanisms and neural circuits explored here are still poorly understood, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Affinati, Alison Holley — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Affinati, Alison Holley
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.