How gene changes in fat affect metabolism and diabetes risk
Genetic epidemiology of rare and regulatory variants for metabolic traits
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11505654
Researchers are looking at how rare and regulatory gene changes in fat tissue influence metabolism and adult-onset diabetes risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11505654 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses genetic data and fat-tissue samples from people to find gene changes that alter how fat cells behave and store lipids. Scientists link large-scale genetic signals (GWAS) with gene activity in subcutaneous adipose tissue and lab tests of adipocytes and chromatin to pinpoint noncoding regulatory variants and their target genes. The work combines data from thousands of participants with experiments in fat cells to identify which cell types and mechanisms drive metabolic traits. The goal is to move from statistical genetic signals to specific biological changes in fat that relate to diabetes risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome who can provide blood samples and, in some studies, a small subcutaneous fat biopsy.
Not a fit: People without metabolic risk factors or those expecting immediate changes to their medical treatment are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new gene targets in fat tissue that lead to better prevention or treatments for type 2 diabetes and related metabolic conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous large GWAS and eQTL studies have found many candidate genes and regulatory regions, but functional follow-up in adipose tissue has been limited, so this work builds on prior findings with more experimental validation.
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus