How cells control lipid droplets that store and release fat
Spatiotemporal Regulation of Organelle Interactions and Metabolism
This project looks at how proteins on tiny fat storage droplets inside cells control when fat is kept or released, which matters for people with obesity, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325420 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Washington University are studying the proteins that sit on lipid droplets — the cell's tiny fat stores — and how those proteins control enzymes that break down fat. They are focusing on DFCP1, a protein that can trap the fat‑breaking enzyme ATGL on the droplet surface, and they change DFCP1 levels or location to see how that affects fat release. The team uses cell biology experiments, molecular manipulation, imaging of organelle contacts, and likely animal models to study effects in tissues. Results are intended to reveal basic mechanisms that could point to new treatment targets for metabolic and cardiovascular disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: People without metabolic or cardiovascular conditions, or those needing immediate clinical treatment, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to better control fat breakdown and reduce complications of obesity and atherosclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work has identified lipid droplet proteins as regulators of fat breakdown, so this builds on promising but still early-stage basic research.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kast, David J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kast, David J
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.