How a fat-cell hormone (FGF21) affects weight and metabolism in obesity
Distinct functions of adipocyte-derived FGF21 in obesity
This work looks at whether a hormone made by fat cells, called FGF21, helps or harms people with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11293454 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use mice engineered to lack FGF21 specifically in fat cells and compare them to normal mice to see differences in weight gain, body fat, energy use, and blood sugar control. They will measure body composition, energy expenditure, and insulin sensitivity and study molecular signals coming from fat and liver tissue. The team will compare fat-cell FGF21 actions with liver-derived FGF21 to understand why they may have opposite effects. Findings aim to clarify whether targeting fat-cell FGF21 could change how obesity and related metabolism problems are treated.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity and related metabolic problems (for example insulin resistance) would be the likely future candidates for treatments that come from this research.
Not a fit: People who are not overweight or whose weight issues are driven mainly by non-metabolic factors may not benefit from therapies focused on FGF21 signaling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to treat obesity and improve blood-sugar control by targeting FGF21 signals from fat tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows that giving FGF21 or increasing liver-derived FGF21 can improve metabolism, but the role of FGF21 made by fat cells is relatively new and may act differently.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Den Hartigh, Laura J. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Den Hartigh, Laura J.
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.