Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded the University of Pittsburgh a $664,240 Project Grant on March 18, 2026, under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847). This award supports basic biomedical research investigating the epigenetic regulation of hypothalamic energy homeostasis and its role in controlling body weight and food intake. The research focuses on histone-modifying enzymes in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus as critical regulators of energy homeostasis, with the goal of understanding how epigenetic modifications correlate with obesity and potentially serve as markers of body weight set point.

Over the performance period extending through January 31, 2031, the funded research will pursue three primary aims: (1) mapping the expression and neuroanatomical distribution of hypothalamic histone methyltransferases and demethylases while analyzing their response to nutritional and hormonal challenges; (2) studying the functional role of these enzymes in body weight regulation and feeding behavior through genetic approaches, including testing their potential to alter body weight set point during conditions such as caloric restriction or following glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist therapy; and (3) conducting integrated profiling of histone marks and transcriptome data in defined neuronal populations. This research contributes to the NIDDK's programmatic mission to advance understanding of metabolic and obesity-related diseases through investigation of fundamental mechanisms underlying energy regulation.