How cholesterol and the SR-BI receptor affect fat cells
A novel role of cholesterol and SR-BI in adipocyte biology
Researchers are looking at whether HDL cholesterol and the SR-BI protein change how fat cells store triglycerides, which could matter for people at risk of obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169944 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mice engineered to lack SR-BI in their fat cells to see how that changes fat cell size and fat storage. Lab-grown human fat cells will be studied to learn how HDL cholesterol and SR-BI affect the genes that control lipid handling. The team will use modern DNA-access methods to see which genes are turned on or off in fat cells. They will also search human genetic data to find whether differences in SR-BI might influence obesity risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults willing to provide adipose tissue samples or genetic information, including people with obesity or differing body fat levels, would be best suited to contribute.
Not a fit: People without obesity or metabolic concerns and anyone unwilling to donate tissue or genetic data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to reduce fat storage in fat cells and lead to treatments or prevention strategies for obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies link SR-BI and HDL to fat cell cholesterol and lipid metabolism, but translating those findings to human obesity remains relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mineo, Chieko — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mineo, Chieko
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.