ApoA4 and sympathetic signals to improve fat metabolism in obesity
Official title: Effects of Apolipoprotein A4 on Lipid Metabolism via Sympathetic Regulation
Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-11359236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher team will study how apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) affects fat tissue and liver metabolism through the body’s sympathetic nervous system, with a focus on adults with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $575,372 |
| NIH project number | 1R15DK144831-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with obesity who may benefit from therapies targeting lipid metabolism and sympathetic pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without obesity or those not related to lipid metabolism disorders may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project studies APOA4’s ability to boost sympathetic activity and fatty acid use in fat tissue, potentially lowering harmful fats in the blood. It will test how APOA4 changes fat and liver metabolism in obese mice, examining the roles of norepinephrine and adrenergic receptors. The study uses a two-aim approach to see how APOA4 affects lipid metabolism in adipose tissues and in the liver, and whether these effects depend on sympathetic signaling in both sexes. Findings could uncover new biological targets for therapies aimed at reducing triglycerides and liver fat in obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to lower triglycerides and improve liver and heart health in people with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in animals showed APOA4 can increase fat burning and lower fat mass; this project extends those findings to understand mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami University Oxford
Oxford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Haifei — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Shi, Haifei
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.