How liver proteins affect body weight and energy balance
Official title: Post-translational control of whole body energy balance by hepatic ISGylation
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10951455 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain change in a protein in the liver affects weight and how our bodies use energy, especially when it comes to inflammation and gaining weight from diet, to help find new ways to treat obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $123,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DK140295-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951455 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein modification in the liver, known as ISGylation, and its impact on body weight and energy metabolism. By studying how this process interacts with inflammation and diet-induced obesity, the researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that influence food intake and energy expenditure. The study utilizes advanced techniques, including mass spectrometry, to identify proteins affected by ISGylation and their roles in regulating metabolism. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing obesity and improving metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between inflammation and metabolism, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Suraj J — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Patel, Suraj J
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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.