Blocking a specific mitochondrial channel to improve obesity and liver health
Official title: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential of blocking the mitochondrial Mg2+ channel Mrs2 in obesity and NAFLD
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11004278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blocking a specific channel in our cells that helps manage magnesium might change how our bodies handle sugar and fat, which could help people with obesity and fatty liver disease find better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $472,438 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135179-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from obesity, type 2 diabetes, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metabolic disorders not related to obesity or liver health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how blocking the mitochondrial Mg2+ channel, known as Mrs2, can influence metabolism in conditions like obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By using advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 to create models that lack this channel, the researchers aim to understand its role in glucose and lipid metabolism. The study will explore how changes in magnesium dynamics affect energy expenditure and fat storage in the body, potentially leading to new treatment strategies for metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting the Mrs2 channel is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding the role of mitochondrial dynamics in metabolic diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muniswamy, Madesh — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Muniswamy, Madesh
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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.