How HSP72, a stress protein, affects muscle energy and metabolism
The impact of HSP72 on mitochondrial function and muscle metabolism
Researchers are seeing whether changing levels of HSP72 in muscle can improve mitochondrial health and metabolism for people with type 2 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-11051006 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses muscle-specific mouse models to change HSP72 levels and observe how mitochondria, fat handling in muscle, and insulin sensitivity respond. The team compares males and females because early results show different effects by sex, and they use gene-delivery tools (AAV) and large-scale molecular analyses to map the pathways involved. Scientists focus on how HSP72 supports the Parkin-Drp1 system that controls mitochondrial form and function and how that impacts muscle lipid buildup and glucose control. Results are aimed at identifying mechanisms that could guide future treatments to protect muscle energy use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance who are interested in contributing samples or taking part in future related trials would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without metabolic disease or those with unrelated genetic muscle disorders are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect muscle mitochondria and improve insulin sensitivity for people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies showed that increasing HSP72 can protect against obesity and insulin resistance, while this project adds new investigation of sex-specific mechanisms and mitochondrial pathways.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hevener, Andrea L — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hevener, Andrea 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.