How cilia in fat cells affect weight gain and obesity
Ciliary signaling mechanisms regulating white adipose tissue expansion
This study is looking at how tiny structures on fat cells, called primary cilia, change when someone is obese and how these changes might affect the way the body stores fat, with the hope of finding ways to reduce health problems like diabetes that can come with being overweight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10878845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of primary cilia, small antenna-like structures on pre-adipocytes (fat cells), in regulating the expansion of white adipose tissue in response to excess nutrients. The study aims to understand how obesity alters the structure and function of these cilia, which may impact the cells' ability to differentiate and store fat. By examining the differences in ciliary signaling between obese and lean individuals, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could limit the negative health effects associated with obesity, such as insulin resistance and diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing obesity or related metabolic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating obesity-related conditions by targeting ciliary signaling in fat cells.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of cilia in adipocyte function is a relatively novel area of investigation, preliminary findings suggest that targeting cellular signaling pathways may offer promising avenues for obesity treatment.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilgendorf, Keren — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Hilgendorf, Keren
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.