Fatty acid signals that control protein production during fasting and aging
Official title: Fatty acid remodeling of the translatome during fasting and aging
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11539325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how fasting changes the way cells produce proteins to slow aging and improve insulin sensitivity, with a focus on type 2 diabetes risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $245,505 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AG087723-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11539325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes or aging-related metabolic issues.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without metabolic concerns or aging-related risk factors may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
If you are at risk for diabetes or have aging-related metabolic concerns, this research looks at how fasting changes liver cell protein production to boost metabolism. It investigates a specific protein called eIF4E and how its activation during fasting redirects protein creation toward fats and sugars processing. The study uses animal models and human data to understand this mechanism and may point to new ways to imitate fasting’s benefits without strict dieting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new therapies that mimic fasting’s anti-aging effects and improve metabolism for people with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests fasting can reprogram protein production in cells, but this study adds a targeted, mechanism-based approach.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Haojun — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Yang, Haojun
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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.