How human fat controls metabolism and energy use
Human adipose tissue in control of sympathetic tone and metabolic rate
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11176123
This project looks at whether an enzyme in human fat cells (MAOA) changes how much energy the body burns, which could matter for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176123 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers grow human fat precursor cells that can become different types of fat cells and implant them into mice to study how human fat behaves in a living system. They use gene-editing to remove the enzyme MAOA from these cells to see whether that increases norepinephrine availability and fat-burning activity. The team measures thermogenesis, fat breakdown, and whole-body metabolic rate to link adipose MAOA to energy balance. Findings aim to explain why some people are more prone to obesity and metabolic disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes or obesity who could donate fat tissue samples or later join trials testing therapies that target adipose MAOA.
Not a fit: People without metabolic concerns or those unwilling to provide tissue samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a new way to increase how much energy the body burns and point to treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: The team has prior laboratory evidence showing high MAOA in human adipocytes and initial effects on norepinephrine, but moving from these findings to patient therapies is still early.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CORVERA, SILVIA — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: CORVERA, SILVIA
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