How brown fat uses different fuels for energy production
Official title: Regulation of brown fat fuel utilization by the malate-aspartate shuttle
Funded at Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr · NIH-10917209 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a special type of fat in our bodies, called brown fat, uses different nutrients to create heat, especially when we’re cold, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how this process might help with better metabolism and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $378,915 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136536-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917209 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with metabolic disorders or obesity who may benefit from improved fat utilization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to metabolic regulation or those who do not have brown adipose tissue may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brown adipose tissue (BAT) in humans and rodents utilizes various nutrients to generate heat, particularly during cold exposure or stimulation of specific receptors. The study focuses on the malate-aspartate shuttle, a biochemical system that transfers energy molecules within cells, to understand how BAT manages the use of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids. By examining the expression of certain enzymes in BAT, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate energy production in this tissue, which could have implications for metabolic health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing obesity and metabolic disorders by enhancing the body's ability to burn fat.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic processes in brown fat, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Ji Suk — Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chang, Ji Suk
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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.