Understanding the brain circuits involved in binge eating control
Official title: Dissecting circuits underlying loss of control relevant to binge eating
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11059951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain affect binge eating, which can lead to obesity, and it hopes to find new ways to help people who struggle with this behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,502 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK136916-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with binge eating or obesity-related issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience binge eating or obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that contribute to binge eating, a behavior linked to obesity. By using animal models, the study aims to identify specific brain regions involved in the loss of control over eating. The researchers will focus on the dorsolateral striatum and its connections to other brain areas to understand how these circuits affect eating behavior. This work could lead to new insights into treating binge eating and obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for binge eating and obesity, improving health outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neural mechanisms related to eating behaviors, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hildebrandt, Britny — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hildebrandt, Britny
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.