Targeting the brain through the gut: bottom-up mechanisms of eating behavior (A01)

• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 209933838

Based on results of the current funding period, we propose novel pathomechanistic links between visceral fat, low-grade inflammation and changes in brain structure and function in obesity, which in turn relate to differences in cognition. Analyses further indicate that the gut microbiota modulate eating behavior via short-chain fatty acids signaling. Our goal is to now translate these findings into novel obesity-treatment options that target body-brain communication. To this end, we plan to test the effects of a pre-biotic intervention over 26 weeks compared to placebo on food decision-making in a randomized controlled trial with 60 obese patients. Mechanistic insights will be gained through the integration of task-based fMRI, microbiota sequencing and metabolomics.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1052: Obesity Mechanisms
• Applicant Institution: Universität Leipzig
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Michael Stumvoll; Professor Dr. Arno Villringer, until 6/2021; Privatdozentin Dr. Veronica Witte, since 7/2021