A gut protein that affects how your body absorbs dietary fat
The Role of DENND5B in Dietary Lipid Absorption
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-11092312
Researchers are learning how a gut protein called DENND5B changes fat absorption after meals and how that may affect adult weight and heart disease risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11092312 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team uses genetically engineered mice that lack DENND5B to see how the gene affects the final steps of packaging and releasing dietary fats from intestinal cells. Lab studies on cells and tissue look at how DENND5B helps move fat-filled chylomicron particles from the Golgi to the cell surface. Researchers also analyze human genetic (exome) data to see if common DENND5B variants link to body mass and blood lipid levels. Combining animal, cellular, and human genetic work aims to explain how intestinal fat handling affects overall metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with overweight or obesity, high post-meal triglycerides, or existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease — or people willing to provide genetic or blood samples — would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People whose weight or heart disease is driven by unrelated causes, or who cannot provide genetic samples, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce post-meal triglyceride spikes, help control weight, and lower risk of atherosclerotic heart disease.
How similar studies have performed: Mouse experiments already show Dennd5b-deficient animals resist diet-induced obesity and atherosclerosis, but translating those findings to humans remains novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY — LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GORDON, SCOTT M — UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
- Study coordinator: GORDON, SCOTT M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease