How adenosine receptors control fat tissue and metabolism
Adenosine receptors and metacolic homeostasis
This work looks at whether a switch between two adenosine receptors in fat tissue changes how fat is released after meals and could help people with obesity or prediabetes manage blood sugar.
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 ID | NIH-11292857 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would learn how fat cells change signaling after a meal by switching from the A1 adenosine receptor to the A2B receptor and how that affects fat release and blood sugar. The team will measure receptor levels and signaling in fat tissue and cells, compare responses between normal and obese or prediabetic conditions, and use lab models to trace the mechanism. The project links those lab findings to the problem of elevated post-meal blood fats in people with obesity. The goal is to explain why this fat spillover happens and point to ways to fix it.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with obesity, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome—especially those with elevated post-meal blood fats.
Not a fit: People without metabolic problems or those seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than participating in research are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that reduce harmful post-meal blood fat levels and improve insulin control in people with obesity or prediabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal work has shown adenosine receptors affect fat-cell signaling, but the specific A1-to-A2B post-meal switch in obesity is a newer finding.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- 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 below.