How genes and microRNAs shape body fat
Official title: Developmental genes, miRNAs and adipose tissue
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11330394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how genes and tiny RNAs in fat cells influence obesity and type 2 diabetes risk for adults with metabolic concerns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 14, 2009 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $701,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK082659-18 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes who can provide blood samples and, in some cases, fat tissue samples at a Boston clinic.
✕Less likely to help
People without metabolic or adipose disorders, children, or those unable/unwilling to give samples or travel to study sites are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit from participation.
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are studying different kinds of fat (white and brown) and the small molecules called microRNAs that fat cells make and send out. They will analyze human fat and blood samples at the single-cell level and use mouse models to compare how adipose depots differ. The team will track microRNAs inside cells and in circulating exosomes to learn how fat talks to other organs and how that changes with aging, obesity, and lipodystrophy. Over the next years this work will map which microRNAs matter and how they are packaged and released.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent or treat obesity-related diabetes by targeting fat-cell communication systems such as microRNAs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown adipose-derived microRNAs circulate and can affect other tissues, but turning those findings into treatments is still early and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kahn, C Ronald — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Kahn, C Ronald
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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.