How cells keep metabolism in balance
Toward a quantitative understanding of metabolic homeostasis
Researchers are creating mathematical models and lab tests to learn how enzymes and cellular chemistry keep energy and building blocks steady, with the goal of helping people with metabolic conditions like diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11232307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds computer models that describe how enzymes and chemical reactions together keep cellular metabolism stable. The team will test the models by measuring metabolites and manipulating enzyme activity in live cells and in reconstituted lab systems. They plan to use molecular tools to change enzyme behavior and compare the results to model predictions to see what controls metabolic balance. Results aim to link basic enzyme properties to whole-cell metabolic behavior that matters for common metabolic diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity-related liver disease, or other disorders of metabolism would be the most relevant patient groups for future studies building on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to metabolism, such as acute traumatic injuries or purely structural genetic disorders, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat metabolic syndrome, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other metabolism-related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has successfully described individual enzyme mechanisms and allosteric regulation, but integrating those findings into predictive whole-cell models is newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Titov, Denis Vasilievich — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Titov, Denis Vasilievich
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.