How nerve cells in fat tissue affect metabolism and blood flow
Official title: Vascular sympathetic neurons in brown adipose tissue and systemic metabolism
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11137376 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells in fat tissue help control your metabolism and blood flow, and it aims to find ways to use these nerves to improve how your body processes sugar and fat, which could be really helpful for people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $245,123 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK140355-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137376 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with metabolic disorders such as diabetes or obesity who may benefit from improved thermogenesis and glucose metabolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or those with conditions unrelated to brown adipose tissue function may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific nerve cells in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and how they influence metabolism and blood flow. By using advanced genetic and imaging techniques, the study aims to understand how different types of sympathetic neurons affect thermogenesis, which is the process of heat production in the body. The researchers will explore how these neurons can be stimulated to improve glucose and lipid metabolism, particularly in conditions like diabetes. This could lead to new insights into how to enhance metabolic health through targeted nerve stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders, improving glucose and lipid metabolism in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of sympathetic neurons in metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeltser, Lori M — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zeltser, Lori M
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.