Branched-chain amino acids and preventing fat buildup in muscle
Official title: Keeping fat out of muscle - Role of Branched Amino AcidsAmino Acids in Insulin Resistance
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11170710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looks at whether boosting the body's breakdown of branched-chain amino acids can lower muscle fat and help people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $735,693 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK114103-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes who can attend visits for blood tests and muscle/vascular measurements would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without insulin resistance or diabetes, or those with health issues unrelated to BCAA metabolism, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
You may have heard that certain amino acids called branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are higher in people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This work uses animal models and laboratory tests to see how turning on BCAA breakdown (with molecules like BT2) changes blood vessel behavior, blood pressure, and how muscle takes up glucose. The team links those lab findings to human data on BCAA levels to see if the same mechanisms apply in people. If human-facing tests are included, they would involve blood measurements, muscle fat or vascular tests, and glucose/insulin measurements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that reduce muscle fat and improve blood sugar control for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Mouse studies show that activating BCAA breakdown with BT2 improves insulin resistance, but human testing and translation remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arany, Zoltan P — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Arany, Zoltan P
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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.