Understanding what drives people to eat beyond just hunger
Genetic dissection of motivational drive to eat
This study is looking at what makes us eat, especially how certain nutrients and things around us can influence our food choices, using fruit flies to help us understand how our brains and bodies react to protein and blue light, which could teach us more about why we eat the way we do.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10875544 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex factors that motivate eating behaviors, focusing on how specific nutrients and environmental cues influence food intake independent of calorie needs. Using the fruit fly Drosophila as a model organism, the study aims to identify the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms that regulate protein consumption and how blue light affects feeding behavior. By employing advanced techniques such as genetic analyses, behavioral measurements, and imaging, the research seeks to uncover the underlying principles of appetite regulation. This could provide insights into how our bodies respond to food beyond just energy requirements.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in understanding the biological and environmental factors that influence their eating habits.
Not a fit: Patients who have no interest in or are unable to modify their eating behaviors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing eating behaviors and addressing issues like obesity and malnutrition.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding neural pathways related to appetite, but this specific focus on calorie-independent feeding mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Qili — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Liu, Qili
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.