How microRNA affects immune responses in fat tissue related to obesity
Official title: MICRORNA REGULATION OF ADIPOSE TISSUE IMMUNE RESPONSE IN OBESITY
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11194476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tiny molecule called microRNA-30a to see how it affects the immune system in fat tissue, which could help us understand and treat obesity and type 2 diabetes better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $669,251 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139397-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity or insulin resistance, particularly those at risk for type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microRNA-30a in regulating immune responses within white adipose tissue, which is crucial for understanding obesity-related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. By examining how this microRNA influences T regulatory cells in fat tissue, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new immune therapies for obesity and its complications. The research involves both animal models and human samples to correlate findings and assess the impact of microRNA-30a on insulin sensitivity. If successful, this work could pave the way for innovative treatments targeting immune responses in obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve insulin sensitivity and help manage obesity-related diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in obesity, but this specific approach focusing on microRNA-30a is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Huaizhu — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wu, Huaizhu
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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.