Understanding how the stomach and brain communicate
Functional Neural Circuits of Stomach-Brain Interoception
This study is exploring how your stomach and brain talk to each other and affect things like digestion and feelings, using awake rats to see how this connection works, which could help us understand health issues related to this relationship.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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-10914093 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between the stomach and brain, focusing on how they influence each other in terms of digestion, emotions, and cognition. By using advanced imaging techniques in awake rats, the study aims to map the neural pathways involved in this communication, particularly through the vagus nerve. The goal is to better understand how the brain monitors stomach functions and how it regulates food intake and digestion. This could provide insights into various health issues related to stomach-brain interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals experiencing digestive issues or emotional disorders that may be influenced by gut health.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to stomach-brain interactions, such as purely psychological disorders without gastrointestinal symptoms, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for digestive disorders and emotional conditions linked to gut health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gut-brain interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Zhongming — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Liu, Zhongming
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.