NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Epitranscriptomics in obesity and type 2 diabetes

Official title: Epitranscriptomics in human obesity and type 2 diabetes

Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11398955 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Researchers are studying how gene activity changes in fat tissue and other organs to better understand obesity and type 2 diabetes, with the goal of finding new ideas for treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJoslin Diabetes Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,968,589
NIH project number5RC2DK139552-03
Project IDNIH-11398955 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes who may contribute relevant tissue samples or clinical data.

Less likely to help

Individuals without obesity or type 2 diabetes or without access to participating clinics may not directly benefit.

What this research studies

This project seeks to map how RNA modifications and related regulatory RNAs affect metabolism in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Using patient data and advanced sequencing, the team will build a comprehensive view of how gene expression is controlled across tissues such as adipose tissue, liver, and pancreas. The aim is to identify new targets for therapies that could improve metabolic function and diabetes control.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to treat obesity-related diabetes by targeting RNA-level regulatory pathways.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research hints that RNA and chromatin regulation play roles in metabolic diseases; this project builds on those findings with human tissue data.

Where this research is happening

  • Joslin Diabetes Center
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kulkarni, Rohit N. — Joslin Diabetes Center
  • Study coordinator: Kulkarni, Rohit N.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.