How a gut enzyme (PKM2) affects sugar-driven weight gain
The role of PKM2 in dietary lipid absorption and fructose-induced obesity
Testing whether medicines that boost a gut enzyme called PKM2 can prevent sugar-related increases in fat absorption and weight gain in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11382139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how eating fructose (from sugar, honey, or high-fructose corn syrup) changes the small intestine so it absorbs more fat and contributes to obesity. Researchers use mice and lab analysis of intestinal tissue to track a fructose byproduct that appears to reduce activity of the enzyme PKM2 and cause longer intestinal villi. They will turn PKM2 back on genetically and with drugs to see if villous length, fat uptake, and diet-induced weight gain are reduced. If these animal and tissue findings hold up, the biochemical results could point toward medicines to test in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with overweight or obesity who consume high amounts of sugar or fructose would be the most likely candidates for related future clinical studies.
Not a fit: People without excess sugar intake, children, pregnant women, or those whose weight gain is driven by other medical causes may not benefit from PKM2-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to drugs that block sugar-driven increases in intestinal fat absorption and help prevent obesity and related metabolic problems.
How similar studies have performed: Related experiments in mice have reduced villous growth and diet-induced weight gain using PKM2 activators, but this approach has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goncalves, Marcus Dasilva — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Goncalves, Marcus Dasilva
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.