Understanding how the brainstem controls feelings of hunger and fullness
Official title: Deconstructing brainstem circuits for visceral senses
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11082494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain helps control our hunger and digestion by responding to signals from our stomach, which could help people understand their eating habits better, especially those dealing with obesity or anorexia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $153,360 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DK132957-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing issues with appetite regulation, such as obesity, anorexia, or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to appetite regulation or those not experiencing metabolic dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brainstem processes signals from the digestive system to regulate appetite and metabolic functions. By analyzing the neural circuits involved, the study aims to uncover how the brain interprets cues related to food intake and bodily needs. The approach includes advanced techniques to visualize and manipulate brain activity in response to gastrointestinal signals, which could lead to insights into conditions like obesity and anorexia. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their bodies regulate hunger and digestion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity, diabetes, and anorexia by improving our understanding of appetite regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain circuits related to appetite, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ran, Chen — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Ran, Chen
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.