# Cellular and Synaptic Hypothalamic Reorganization After Exercise Training

> **NIH NIH P01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · $435,775

## Abstract

Physical activity provides multiple metabolic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity and body
composition. Within the brain, less is known about the effects of exercise to acutely alter synaptic/cellular
properties and how these effects contribute to altered metabolism. In the current proposal, we have found that
CNS derived GLP-1 neurons are activated in response to exercise. Moreover, GLP-1 and GLP-1 mimetics
mimic the effects of exercise on arcuate melanocortin neurons. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis
that an NTS GLP-1 to arcuate POMC circuit is activated in response to exercise. We will identify cellular
mechanisms through which exercise activates GLP-1 and melanocortin neurons. We will also determine a role
for these acute/chronic cellular mechanisms to regulate metabolism.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10468250
- **Project number:** 5P01DK119130-04
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** KEVIN W WILLIAMS
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $435,775
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-20 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10468250

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10468250, Cellular and Synaptic Hypothalamic Reorganization After Exercise Training (5P01DK119130-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10468250. Licensed CC0.

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