How cells detect nutrients and control body energy balance
Cellular mechanisms governing nutrient sensing and organismal energy homeostasis
This research looks at how fat cells and other cells sense nutrients and switch between storing and burning energy to help people maintain a healthier weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145147 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From bacteria to humans, the team looks for proteins that act as molecular switches to change how cells respond in times of nutrient scarcity versus plenty. They study how fat cells hold on to or release fat-related hormones and the cellular signals that control these processes using cell-based experiments and comparative biology approaches. The work combines molecular biology, cell physiology, and model systems to trace the pathways that set whole-body energy balance. Findings are intended to point toward targets for future patient-focused treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with overweight, obesity, or metabolic disorders are the most likely candidates for future therapies or clinical trials that come from this research.
Not a fit: Those seeking immediate weight-loss treatments or people without metabolic issues are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for therapies that help prevent or treat obesity and related metabolic complications.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has mapped major nutrient-sensing pathways like insulin, mTOR, and AMPK, but this project targets less-understood 'molecular switch' proteins and builds on emerging basic-science findings.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajan, Akhila — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Rajan, Akhila
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.