Challenge Questions

1.  Differences and Overlap between Hyperphagia in Uncommon Disorders.

• Identify distinctions, overlap and commonality in the pathophysiology and management of hyperphagia between the Uncommon Disorders presented in the morning sessions (Prader-Willi, Bardet-Biedel, WAGR, Fragile X and Alstrom syndromes).

 2.  Extending the Study of Hyperphagia out from Uncommon Disorders.

• Identify which aspects of the pathophysiology and management of hyperphagia in Uncommon Disorders have the potential for applicability to understanding appetite control in the general population.

3.  Controlling Overeating and Obesity in the General Population.

• Identify which aspects of the pathophysiology and management of overeating in the general obese population are the best avenues or targets for future research.
  
  
  

For each Question above:

• Rank points to maximize success for:
  • Research yielding advancements in basic science
  • Research with short term clinical application
• Rank points according to difficulty of research program - Costs, Timeline
• What information and resources are needed to pursue the research?

Topics and avenues for discussion in each Question may include:

• Development of animal models vs. human study
• Basic research into molecular and cellular biology of genes involved
• Access to cell lines and brain tissue from patients
• Basic, translational and clinical research into:
  • mechanisms of action of hormones, neuropeptides and monoamines
  • brain anatomy and function, e.g. neuroimaging studies
  • behavioral and psychological factors in hyperphagia and over-consumption of high-calorie foods
  • dietary approaches e.g. functional foods
• Testing of current therapies for efficacy in uncommon disorders
• Opportunities to use existing data/study data to explore new research ideas
• Early use of novel therapies in uncommon disorders