Understanding Neurotensin's Role in Our Bodies
Mechanisms Regulating Neurotensin Secretion and Function
This research explores how a natural substance called neurotensin, released when we eat fats, affects our body's metabolism and may be linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125826 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies produce a substance called neurotensin, especially after we eat fatty foods. For many years, scientists have been learning how neurotensin helps us absorb fats and how it might influence our overall metabolism. Recent findings suggest that higher levels of neurotensin could be connected to health issues such as diabetes, heart problems, fatty liver disease, and even an increased risk of breast cancer. This project aims to uncover the specific ways neurotensin works in our bodies, particularly how it handles fats, to better understand its role in these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who might benefit from future treatments based on this research include those with or at risk for metabolic diseases, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or certain cancers.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to fat metabolism, cardiovascular health, or specific cancers linked to neurotensin may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to prevent or treat metabolic diseases and certain cancers by targeting neurotensin.
How similar studies have performed: Researchers have been studying neurotensin for decades, and recent findings have identified significant associations between its levels and various metabolic diseases and cancers, suggesting a promising area for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evers, Bernard Mark — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Evers, Bernard Mark
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.