How adenosine receptors affect energy balance in the body
Official title: Adenosine receptors and metacolic homeostasis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11054631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain receptors in your body help manage energy and fat storage, especially when you eat or fast, to better understand obesity and insulin resistance, which could help you learn more about how your body handles energy after meals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 12, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $617,514 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136126-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are obese or prediabetic and experience metabolic issues related to energy balance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of adenosine receptors in regulating energy balance through white adipose tissue (WAT). It focuses on how these receptors change their expression and function in response to feeding and fasting, particularly in the context of obesity and insulin resistance. By examining the switch from A1 to A2B receptors, the study aims to understand how these changes impact fat storage and release, which could lead to new insights into metabolic disorders. Patients may benefit from understanding how their body processes energy and fat, especially after meals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity and insulin resistance by targeting adenosine receptors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of adenosine receptors in metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Thurl E. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Harris, Thurl E.
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.