Exploring how fat cells affect diabetes and obesity
Official title: Discovery of metabolic pathways using phenotypic screening and chemical proteomics
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-10875274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fat cells work in obesity and type 2 diabetes, and it aims to find new ways to help these cells store fat properly and respond better to insulin, which could lead to better treatments for people dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32DK136301-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes who may benefit from improved metabolic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of adipocytes, or fat cells, in obesity and related metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes. By using innovative techniques that combine phenotypic screening and chemical proteomics, the researchers aim to identify new protein targets that can help restore normal fat storage and insulin sensitivity in these cells. The approach involves screening small molecules to find those that can positively influence adipocyte function, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in individuals affected by obesity and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar approaches has successfully identified new therapeutic targets in metabolic disorders, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jariwala, Parth Balvant — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Jariwala, Parth Balvant
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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.