Adipocytes and inflammation: how fat cells coordinate metabolism and immune signals
Official title: Adipocyte cytokine signaling as a coordinator of adipose tissue function
Funded at Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr · NIH-11348990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people similar to those with obesity to understand how fat cells and immune signals interact to influence insulin sensitivity and inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $350,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134469-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with obesity or metabolic dysfunction whose adipose tissue signaling may be altered.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without obesity-related metabolic issues or those not involved in metabolic signaling studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This research will explore how fat cells communicate with immune cells to control inflammation and metabolism in adipose tissue. Using cellular and molecular approaches, the team will examine how the cytokine oncostatin M (OSM) and its receptor influence lipolysis, insulin signaling, and tissue inflammation. The project will test whether prolonged exposure to OSM desensitizes adipocytes and contributes to insulin resistance, and whether other factors from fat tissue promote inflammation. Findings may identify new ways to preserve metabolic health in obesity by targeting adipocyte signaling pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new targets to reduce adipose inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity in obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests adipocyte signaling influences inflammation and metabolic regulation, supporting potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
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Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elks, Carrie M — Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
- Study coordinator: Elks, Carrie 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.