# Interrogating brain circuits that control feeding caused by fasting or by craving

> **NIH NIH SC1** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS EL PASO · 2020 · $364,750

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
Neuron populations in the hypothalamus form nodes within a larger distributed network to control multiple
aspects of feeding behavior in mammals. The goal of this project is to functionally interrogate newly mapped
hypothalamic relay circuits that control feeding behavior. We will employ viral-based tract tracing, optogenetics,
chemogenetics, behavioral analyses of feeding, wide-field and multifluorescence imaging, and reference atlas-
based mapping; to determine whether these relay circuits in the hypothalamus mediate feeding triggered either
by an overnight fast or by craving for rewarding foods. We will deposit all mapped and probed brain circuit
locations within an online neuroinformatics database. The hypothalamus has remained a relatively uncharted
and poorly defined brain structure that is otherwise critical for feeding behavior. Knowledge of the basic
circuit organization of this structure, and its functional/behavioral validation, is critical for scientists to be able
to further experimentally manipulate selected sub-populations of neurons in this structure to study various
aspects of feeding control. This, in turn, is expected to yield novel targets within the brain suitable for designing
rationale therapeutics and treatments to help prevent or mitigate the effects of obesity, overeating, and metabolic
disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9916637
- **Project number:** 5SC1GM127251-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS EL PASO
- **Principal Investigator:** ARSHAD M. KHAN
- **Activity code:** SC1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $364,750
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-06-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9916637

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9916637, Interrogating brain circuits that control feeding caused by fasting or by craving (5SC1GM127251-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9916637. Licensed CC0.

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