How fat stem cells drive unhealthy changes in body fat
Regulation of Mesenchymal Progenitor Cell Fate and Adipose Tissue Remodeling
Scientists are exploring how certain stem-like cells in fat change during obesity and how that may worsen inflammation, type 2 diabetes, and heart risk in people with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251950 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project examines mesenchymal progenitor cells, which are stem-like cells in adipose (fat) tissue, and how they shift into a pro-inflammatory, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like state during obesity. Researchers are studying key molecules such as the transcription factor SOX4 and the growth factor Midkine (MDK) that rise in these cells and may control fat formation, scarring, and immune activity. The work combines human tissue analyses, cellular and molecular experiments, and animal models to connect basic mechanisms to human type 2 diabetes. The team aims to identify molecular targets that could be used to reduce harmful fat inflammation and improve metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes would be the most relevant candidates to contribute tissue samples or participate in future related trials.
Not a fit: People without obesity or metabolic disease, or whose conditions are unrelated to adipose tissue inflammation, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to lower harmful fat inflammation and improve blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk for people with obesity and diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show that reducing fat inflammation can improve metabolism, but the specific CAF-like conversion of fat progenitor cells is a newer finding that is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seale, Patrick — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Seale, Patrick
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.