current studies
In 2008, Morris Animal Foundation will fund about 120 new and continuing studies for dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas, and wildlife as well as 30 veterinary student projects.
We also have numerous studies nearing completion. You can search our current study database by species and/or disease to learn more about the studies we are funding in the areas you care most about. The results will also show you whether a study is available for sponsorship.
INSTRUCTIONS - Select a division from the left column, a disease or disorder from the middle column, and a study ID number from the right column.
D06FE-005: “Cloning, Characterization, and Localization of Feline Brain Melanocortin Receptors”
principal investigator: Ya-Xiong Tao, Ph.D., Auburn University
needs sponsorship
year: 2 of 2: $43,500.00
Obesity in cats has reached epidemic proportions with an estimated 20 to 48 percent of owned cats now overweight. Obese cats are more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, non-allergic skin conditions and severe lameness. Most important to cat lovers, obese cats have nearly three times the risk of early death compared to cats with ideal body weight. The long-term goal of this study is to develop drugs that reduce the fat content and body weight of cats. Small peptides called melanocortins, which are proteins in the cat’s body, are promising candidates. Researchers will study the function of the melanocortin receptors in the cat brain to determine whether it is similar to those in humans. If so, they can use the advances made in human medicine to combat obesity in cats and improve feline health.
