Controlling how fat cells burn energy to fight obesity and diabetes
Translational regulation of PGC1alpha and oxidative metabolism
This research explores new ways to make fat cells burn more energy, which could help people with obesity and diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160816 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have special fat cells that can burn energy to create heat, a process that could be harnessed to treat metabolic conditions. This project looks at how these fat cells are told to burn energy, specifically focusing on the instructions within the cells that control this process. We aim to identify the specific proteins that help fat cells burn more energy and will also use mouse models to understand how a protein called DDX3X might control this energy burning. By understanding these cellular instructions, we hope to find new ways to encourage fat cells to burn more calories.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is aimed at eventually benefiting individuals living with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients without obesity or diabetes are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes by helping the body burn more fat.
How similar studies have performed: Recent work has suggested that controlling how cells make proteins could influence energy burning, indicating this approach builds on promising prior findings.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dumesic, Phillip Anthony — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Dumesic, Phillip Anthony
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.