Lab-Grown brain cells could unlock Anorexia's secrets
NCT ID NCT06259500
First seen Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study uses stem cell technology to create brain cells from people with anorexia nervosa and compare them to cells from healthy individuals. The goal is to understand how specific brain cells, called hypothalamic neurons and microglia, function differently in anorexia. By profiling these cells, researchers hope to identify new molecules that could be explored as drug targets for this condition.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) derived microglia
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could identify specific molecules involved in anorexia nervosa that might serve as targets for future drug development.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage laboratory study with a small number of participants. Findings from cell models may not fully reflect what happens in the human brain, and any potential treatments would be far off.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm, 17176, Sweden
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