Federal Grant Award Summary

Yale University received a $734,743 Project Grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031. The research project investigates brain dopamine (DA) dynamics in obesity by examining striatal DA responses to nutrient consumption in individuals with normal and elevated body mass index (BMI). The research employs a novel ultra-high performance positron emission tomography (PET) system to measure DA release patterns during milkshake consumption, with the objective of elucidating the relationship between nutrient-induced brain DA responses, metabolic responses to food, and specific eating behaviors that contribute to overeating.

This basic research initiative addresses a significant gap in understanding obesity mechanisms by analyzing how high-fat and high-sugar foods affect post-ingestive DA signaling in humans—data that remain largely unknown despite rodent studies suggesting these foods blunt nutrient-induced striatal DA release. The research deliverables will advance the scientific foundation for developing anti-obesity interventions by identifying which factors drive brain DA responses and whether these responses influence food intake behavior beyond homeostatic need. Findings from this project are expected to contribute to improved prevention and treatment strategies for obesity-related metabolic disorders.