How aging affects fat tissue development and function
Official title: Aging-Dependent Changes in Adipose Tissue
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10993572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how body fat changes as we grow up, especially during our teenage years, to help us understand how these changes might affect weight and health issues like obesity and diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $45,687 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DK132867-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20 who are interested in understanding how their body fat and metabolism may impact their health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those with established metabolic disorders unrelated to adipose tissue changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how white adipose tissue (WAT), which plays a crucial role in metabolism, changes as individuals age, particularly during adolescence. It focuses on the development and differentiation of fat cells (adipocytes) and how these processes are influenced by age-related factors. By examining the balance between the growth of fat cell size and number, the research aims to understand the implications for conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Patients may learn how their body’s fat storage and metabolism evolve during critical growth periods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for managing obesity and preventing diabetes in adolescents and young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding adipose tissue dynamics can lead to significant advancements in treating obesity and metabolic disorders, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Frances — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Lin, Frances
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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.