# Genetically Dissecting Chorinergic Signaling in Body Weight Control

> **NIH NIH R01** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2020 · $470,179

## Abstract

Abstract/Project Summary
Obesity-associated diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease together account for the leading
cause of death in the United States. Roughly one-third of the U.S. population is obese, and it is estimated that
nearly half of the population will be obese within the next two decades. To date, studies investigating the neural
contribution to body weight control have focused largely on neuropeptidergic signaling in the hypothalamus, a
key brain region involved in feeding behavior. However, signaling from extra-hypothalamic brain regions has
also been implicated in regulating nutrient metabolism, appetite, and satiety. We have recently uncovered a
novel mechanism by which glutamatergic signaling in the basal forebrain strongly influences feeding and body
weight control. This discovery provides intriguing evidence that specific glutamatergic signaling pathways in the
brain critically regulate feeding behavior and body weight homeostasis. To elucidate the mechanisms by which
forebrain glutamatergic signaling influences body weight management, feeding behaviors, and metabolism, we
will test the hypothesis that glutamatergic basal forebrain circuits modulate metabolic and appetitive programs
to regulate body weight. Using a combination conditional genetic targeting, optogenetic manipulations,
electrophysiology, and behavioral analysis, we will set out to determine the role for basal forebrain glutamatergic
signaling in body weight control and obesity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10072586
- **Project number:** 2R01DK109934-05
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Benjamin R Arenkiel
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $470,179
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2016-07-15 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10072586

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10072586, Genetically Dissecting Chorinergic Signaling in Body Weight Control (2R01DK109934-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10072586. Licensed CC0.

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