How fat tissue stores and uses lipids in obesity
Lipid storage and utilization in physiology and obesity
The project seeks to understand whether the protein Clstn3β changes how fat cells store and burn fats in people with obesity or diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11292836 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers at UCLA are following a protein called Clstn3β that helps control tiny fat storage droplets inside fat cells. They use mouse models and lab-grown cells to change Clstn3β levels, watch how lipid droplets grow or shrink, and measure effects on brown fat activity and body temperature. The team will also examine liver and other metabolic tissues to learn why fat builds up in obesity and diabetes. Findings may point to ways to shift fat tissue toward burning more energy instead of storing unhealthy lipids.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obesity or type 2 diabetes, especially those interested in future trials targeting fat metabolism, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without metabolic disease or those seeking immediate clinical benefit should not expect direct help from this basic lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that help fat tissues burn more calories and improve blood sugar control in people with obesity or diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Altering brown fat activity and lipid-droplet proteins has improved metabolism in animal studies, but translation to clear benefits in people is still early.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tontonoz, Peter J — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Tontonoz, Peter J
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.