How fat tissue controls energy use and obesity
Novel mechanisms regulating adipose tissue function in health and disease
Researchers are looking at how a protein called HSF1 and other molecular switches in fat cells affect energy burning and obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks inside the three types of fat cells (white, brown, and beige) to understand how they switch between storing and burning energy. Scientists will map epigenetic changes and study HSF1 and its upstream and downstream partners using cell and animal models and analysis of fat tissue. The goal is to find molecular signatures of 'unhealthy' obese fat and identify targets that could be changed to boost thermogenesis. Findings will guide future tests of treatments that aim to make fat burn more calories.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obesity or metabolic disease who are willing to provide tissue samples or later enroll in related clinical trials would be most relevant for this research.
Not a fit: Healthy people without excess weight or metabolic problems are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets and biomarkers to help develop therapies that increase fat energy burning and reduce obesity-related metabolic disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and early human work on activating brown/beige fat has shown promise for increasing energy use, but translating those findings into safe, effective human treatments remains limited and HSF1 is a relatively new target.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mueller, Elisabetta — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Mueller, Elisabetta
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.