NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Exploring how body clocks and fat metabolism are connected

Official title: Unraveling the molecular interconnections between circadian rhythms and lipid metabolism

Funded at University of Missouri-St. Louis · NIH-11011603 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how our body's natural daily rhythms affect how we process fats, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how disruptions in these rhythms might lead to health issues related to metabolism.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-St. Louis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2025
Project endJanuary 31, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$574,021
NIH project number1R35GM156366-01
Project IDNIH-11011603 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing metabolic disorders or those with conditions influenced by circadian rhythm disruptions.

Less likely to help

Patients without metabolic disorders or those whose conditions are unrelated to circadian rhythms may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between circadian rhythms, which are the body's natural 24-hour cycles, and lipid metabolism, the process by which fats are broken down and utilized. It aims to understand how disruptions in these rhythms can lead to metabolic disorders and how lipid molecules, particularly phosphatidic acid, influence the functioning of the circadian clock. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms that link metabolism and circadian functions, potentially leading to new insights into metabolic health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing metabolic disorders by targeting the interplay between circadian rhythms and lipid metabolism.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific interactions being studied are novel, previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between circadian rhythms and metabolism.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Missouri-St. Louis
    Saint Louis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wang, Xuemin — University of Missouri-St. Louis
  • Study coordinator: Wang, Xuemin

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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.