Helping immune cells clear excess fat to improve obesity-related diabetes and heart disease
Harnessing macrophage lysosomal lipid metabolism in obesity-associated diseases
This project tests whether boosting a natural fat‑clearing program inside immune cells can help people with obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, and atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121062 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have obesity-related diabetes, fatty liver, or heart disease, researchers aim to strengthen a fat‑processing pathway inside macrophages (a type of immune cell) to see if that improves metabolism. In the lab they increase a master regulator called TFEB in macrophages to enhance lysosomal fat breakdown and study how those cells handle lipids. They will examine different macrophage subtypes and use animal models to see whether improving macrophage lipid metabolism reduces fatty acid release from fat tissue and eases liver and metabolic problems. The work combines cell experiments and in vivo testing to understand mechanisms and potential benefits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity-linked conditions such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without obesity-related metabolic or liver disease, or whose condition is driven by unrelated causes (for example certain genetic lipid disorders or infectious liver disease), are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower blood sugar, reduce liver fat, and decrease cardiovascular risk by helping immune cells clear excess lipids.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary lab and animal work, including TFEB overexpression in macrophages, showed promising metabolic improvements, but human data are limited.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schilling, Joel David — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Schilling, Joel David
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 below.