How gene activity in fat tissue affects adult-onset diabetes and metabolism
Genetic epidemiology of rare and regulatory variants for metabolic traits
This project looks at how small genetic changes that control gene activity in fat tissue influence blood sugar and risk of type 2 diabetes in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11293447 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study genetic signals from large human genetic studies and look for the specific DNA changes that alter how genes are turned on or off in fat tissue. They will analyze gene expression and chromatin accessibility in subcutaneous fat and in fat cells, using samples and genetic data from large cohorts. The team will link regulatory DNA variants to their target genes and the cell types where they act, and test some of these effects in laboratory models. Findings aim to clarify which genes and mechanisms drive metabolic traits like abdominal obesity and high blood sugar.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome—especially those with abdominal obesity—who can provide genetic data and, if requested, tissue or blood samples are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Children, people without metabolic risk factors, or individuals unwilling to provide genetic or tissue samples are unlikely to benefit directly from participating in this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets in fat tissue for preventing or treating type 2 diabetes and related metabolic problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous large genetic and eQTL studies have found many candidate genes and signals, but relatively few regulatory effects have been functionally validated, so this work builds on promising but incomplete prior results.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohlke, Karen L. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Mohlke, Karen L.
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.