Understanding how the brain senses internal body states
Official title: Identifying neurons for interoception using simultaneous profiling of activity- and projection- specific populations
Funded at Max Planck Florida Corporation · NIH-10687590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains understand signals from our bodies, which is important for things like hunger and thirst, and it's especially for people interested in learning more about conditions like eating disorders and addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Max Planck Florida Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jupiter, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,699,800 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2DA060436-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687590 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing eating disorders or other psychiatric conditions linked to interoceptive dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to interoception or those who do not have psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain processes internal bodily signals, a function known as interoception, which is crucial for maintaining balance in our physiological needs. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to identify specific neurons that play a role in this process, particularly focusing on the insular cortex, an area of the brain that has not been thoroughly examined. The study employs advanced molecular profiling techniques to gather detailed information about neuronal activity and connections, which could lead to a better understanding of conditions like eating disorders and addiction. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between genetic information and neural circuits involved in interoception.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for psychiatric disorders related to interoception, such as eating disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of interoception is gaining attention, this specific approach using simultaneous neuronal profiling is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Max Planck Florida Corporation
Jupiter, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stern, Sarah — Max Planck Florida Corporation
- Study coordinator: Stern, Sarah
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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.