Enzymes that control fat–amino acid signals linked to type 2 diabetes
CYP4F Enzymes Regulate N-Acyl Amino Acid Signaling in Humans
This project explores how enzymes called CYP4F change special fat–amino acid signals that influence energy use, weight, and diabetes risk in adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251282 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a person concerned about diabetes, this work measures levels of special fat–amino acid molecules (called N-acyl amino acids) in people’s blood and links those levels to future diabetes and heart outcomes. Researchers use large human genetic studies (for example, samples from the Jackson Heart Study) to find genes that control these molecules and then test how the CYP4F enzymes modify them in cells and animal models. The team combines human blood measurements, genome-wide analyses, and lab experiments to show whether changing these enzymes could change energy use or blood sugar. If you provide samples or join related studies, your participation could help reveal new targets for medicines that affect these signals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with type 2 diabetes, people with obesity or prediabetes, or adults willing to provide blood samples for genetic and biochemical testing.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes, children, or those with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this diabetes-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that boost helpful N-acyl amino acids or block harmful changes to improve weight control and blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Animal experiments have already shown that raising N-acyl amino acids can increase energy use and improve glucose control, and human cohort data linked these molecules to lower diabetes risk, but clinical treatments based on this approach are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benson, Mark Daniel — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Benson, Mark Daniel
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.