An X‑chromosome gene that may raise obesity risk in women
A sex-biased obesity gene on the X chromosome
Researchers are looking at whether the X‑linked gene KDM5C helps cause higher body fat and related heart disease risk in people assigned female at birth, especially after menopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194328 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on a gene called Kdm5c that sits on the X chromosome and is more active in females. Labs will use mouse models, fat precursor cells, and chromatin mapping methods to see how Kdm5c levels change fat cell behavior and energy use, especially when sex hormones are low like after menopause. The team will reduce Kdm5c gene dosage in XX animals and examine histone marks, fat tissue type (white versus beige), and whole‑body energy expenditure. Findings aim to link molecular changes in fat to the greater obesity and cardiovascular risk seen in postmenopausal women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People assigned female at birth, particularly postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity or those concerned about increased heart disease risk, would be the population most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Men, people whose obesity has non‑sex‑chromosome causes, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments may not directly benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new targets to prevent or treat obesity and reduce cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work by these investigators showed lowering Kdm5c reduces fat in female mice, but translating this mechanism into human treatments has not yet been tested.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reue, Karen — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Reue, Karen
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.