# Neural Mechanisms of Obesity-Induced Hypertension

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2024 · $18,227

## Abstract

Project Summary Abstract
Obesity is a major cause of hypertension that imposes tremendous economic burdens. However, the underlying
mechanisms are largely unresolved. The goal of this proposal is to identify molecular and neuronal pathways
that contribute to obesity-induced hypertension. Overwhelming evidence from our lab and others support a
causal role for the adipocyte-derived hormone, leptin, in neurogenic hypertension associated with obesity. This
proposal is based on our recent identification of an intracellular signaling pathway and neuron population
required for leptin’s hypertensive actions. We hypothesize that leptin signaling on this neuron ensemble
hyperactivates pressor circuits and drives obesity-induced hypertension. To test our hypothesis, I will pursue the
following aims. Aim 1 will determine how a leptin signaling pathway in a cell-type specific neuron population
promotes dysfunction in obesity. I will use in vivo and ex vivo functional circuit mapping techniques to define how
this signaling pathway contributes to electrical properties and synaptic output relevant to cardiovascular
regulation. Aim 2 will investigate how obesity functionally reshapes downstream cardiovascular circuits. I will
combine in vivo physiological and chemogenetic techniques with ex vivo electrophysiology to identify cell-type
specific adaptations to obesity that contribute to hypertension. The proposed study will provide insights into novel
molecular and circuit mechanisms in obesity-induced hypertension. Moreover, these experiments may lead to
the identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity-induced hypertension.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10875273
- **Project number:** 5F31HL168820-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Connor Laule
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $18,227
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-06-01 → 2024-12-20

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10875273

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10875273, Neural Mechanisms of Obesity-Induced Hypertension (5F31HL168820-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10875273. Licensed CC0.

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