How metabolites shape immune cell development
Molecular characterization of the role for metabolites in immune cell differentiation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11143296
This project looks at whether common metabolic molecules like alpha-ketoglutarate change how CD4 immune cells develop and behave, which could matter for people with immune or inflammatory conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143296 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research examines molecules (metabolites) that help immune cells decide what type of cell to become. Scientists will change levels of metabolites such as alpha-ketoglutarate in lab-grown CD4+ T cells and measure effects on gene regulation and DNA-binding proteins like CTCF using molecular lab techniques. They will compare these effects across different cell types to identify mechanisms that are shared versus cell-type specific. The work may use human immune cells or human-derived samples alongside other models to connect metabolic signals to immune function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People willing to donate blood or immune cells—including healthy volunteers and patients with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions—could be eligible to contribute samples to this research.
Not a fit: This is laboratory-based basic research, so people looking for immediate treatments or clinical benefit are unlikely to gain direct therapeutic benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal molecular pathways that lead to new ways to tweak metabolism or diet to influence immune responses and potentially inform therapies for autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that metabolites like alpha-ketoglutarate can alter gene programs and DNA-binding in T cells and cancer cells, but translating these findings to patient treatments is still early.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WEINMANN, AMY SUSAN — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: WEINMANN, AMY SUSAN
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.