# BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application

> **NIH VA IK6** · IOWA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · —

## Abstract

The applicant is a PhD basic scientist who runs a research program aimed at understanding how the
autonomic, metabolism and cardiovascular functions are regulated. I am especially focused on
identifying the cellular and molecular processes and circuits that underlie the control of the autonomic
nervous system activity, energy homeostasis and blood pressure by the brain. Studies in the
laboratory are also directed towards uncovering how these pathways and neuronal circuits are
dysregulated in disease conditions such as obesity and hypertension, which are major causes of
morbidity and mortality in the VA population. Detailed understanding of the processes involved in
metabolic and cardiovascular regulation in health and disease is necessary to develop new
treatments for complex disorders such obesity and associated diseases. We plan to build on our
previous work to extend our studies to identify new molecular and neuronal processes underlying
metabolic and cardiovascular regulation and their pathophysiological role in obesity. We will focus on
understanding the mechanisms mediating autonomic, metabolic and cardiovascular control by
mTORC1 signaling. We will also investigate the mechanisms involved in autonomic, metabolic and
cardiovascular regulation by a protein complex called the BBSome. New insights into the
physiological and pathophysiological role of mTORC1 and the BBSome will inform the feasibility of
targeting these molecular mechanisms for the treatment of obesity and hypertension. I will also
continue training the next generation of biomedical researchers by mentoring and guiding young
scientists, both basic and clinical, to maximize their career potential as biomedical investigators. This
is crucial to ensure a bright future for medical advances that can improve the health and lives of the
Veterans. In addition, I will continue my commitment to serve the VA, affiliated University of Iowa, and
the national and international scientific community by participation in teaching, committee service,
and organization of research initiatives and events.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10481383
- **Project number:** 1IK6BX006040-01
- **Recipient organization:** IOWA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** KAMAL RAHMOUNI
- **Activity code:** IK6 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10481383

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10481383, BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application (1IK6BX006040-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10481383. Licensed CC0.

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