Blood vessel signals that control fat and blood sugar
Metabolic crosstalk through vascular endothelium-secreted factors
This project looks at how a protein made by blood-vessel cells, called BMPER, changes fat tissue and blood sugar control in people with obesity or insulin resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will measure BMPER levels in blood from people and in animal models to see how those levels change with fasting and feeding. They will look at human BMPER gene variants and blood measurements linked to obesity and insulin resistance. In lab experiments and mice they will test how BMPER released from blood-vessel cells affects the liver and fat tissue and alters glucose handling. The goal is to find mechanisms that could be targeted to improve metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes who can provide blood samples and attend clinic visits would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without metabolic conditions, children, pregnant people, or those unable to attend clinic visits may not directly benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to improve insulin sensitivity and help treat obesity-related blood sugar problems.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal experiments and human genetic and blood-level associations support BMPER's role in metabolism, but treatments based on it are not yet proven in people.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pi, Xinchun — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Pi, Xinchun
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.