Exploring how a hormone from fat tissue helps build muscle
Official title: Investigating Isthmin as an adipose-to-muscle messenger that promotes muscle protein synthesis
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11224519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a hormone called Isthmin-1, which comes from fat tissue, to see how it helps build muscle, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with diabetes and other conditions that cause muscle loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | April 14, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,700 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AR081618-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11224519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing muscle atrophy or metabolic disorders, particularly those related to obesity or diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to muscle loss or metabolic dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Isthmin-1, a hormone secreted by fat tissue, in promoting muscle protein synthesis. By understanding how this hormone facilitates communication between adipose tissue and muscle, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for conditions like diabetes that lead to muscle loss. The research employs advanced techniques in endocrinology, muscle biology, and bioinformatics, utilizing genetic mouse models to explore the mechanisms of muscle growth regulation. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments for muscle atrophy and metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent muscle loss and improve metabolic health in patients with conditions like diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting adipokines for metabolic disease treatment, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Meng — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Meng
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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.