How cells manage fat storage and energy use
Developmental and nutritional regulation of lipid metabolism
This study is looking at how cells sense and react to their surroundings to manage fats in the body, which is important for keeping our energy levels balanced, and it aims to help us understand more about conditions like metabolic diseases and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088586 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells detect and respond to signals from their environment to manage lipid metabolism, which is crucial for maintaining energy balance in the body. By studying the model organism C. elegans and mammalian cells, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that regulate lipid allocation in response to developmental and nutritional cues. The project focuses on understanding the interaction between key signaling pathways, such as Hedgehog and mTORC2, that influence lipid homeostasis and could lead to insights into metabolic diseases and cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with metabolic disorders or cancers related to lipid metabolism.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated metabolic conditions or those not affected by lipid metabolism issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating metabolic diseases and cancers by targeting lipid metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism through similar signaling pathways, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dowen, Robert Houston — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Dowen, Robert Houston
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.