How epigenetics controls fat tissue growth and remodeling
Epigenetic regulation of adipose development and remodeling
Researchers are looking at how a DNA-changing protein called TET3 affects how body fat forms and adapts to high-calorie diets, which could matter for adults with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257336 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory studies of fat precursor cells and genetically modified mice to learn how epigenetic changes control fat tissue development and remodeling under chronic high-calorie feeding. The team focuses on the enzyme TET3 and compares outcomes in mice lacking TET3 in precursor cells versus normal mice, including changes in fat mass, cell number, inflammation, and insulin resistance. They apply molecular methods such as ATAC-seq and other epigenomic approaches to map how TET3 changes gene regulation in adipose cells. Findings aim to connect cell-level epigenetic changes to whole-body metabolic effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes who are interested in contributing samples or participating in future translational studies related to adipose biology.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment changes or those with unrelated conditions (for example type 1 diabetes) are unlikely to directly benefit from this preclinical research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to prevent unhealthy fat expansion and improve insulin sensitivity in people with obesity-related type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work by this team and others showed that altering TET3 in mice changes adipose development and can improve insulin resistance in animal models, but translation to humans remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Sona — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Kang, Sona
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.