How newborn energy-burning (beige) fat forms and can be reactivated
Deciphering the physiology of neonatal beige adipocytes
Researchers are testing how beige fat cells that appear in newborns form and can be reactivated later to potentially help treat obesity and other metabolic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295409 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how newborn ‘beige’ fat cells that burn energy develop and why they can be switched back on in adulthood. The team is studying how liver-produced ketone bodies help drive the formation of these cells and is using molecular techniques to map gene activation in fat tissue. They will examine specific gene regulators, including a protein called GABPa, and use genomic methods to see which genes are turned on in beige fat. Although the work is done in lab models, the goal is to point to ways to reactivate energy-burning fat that could one day help people with metabolic disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obesity, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions would be the most likely eventual candidates for therapies that target beige fat.
Not a fit: People with health problems unrelated to metabolism, or those who cannot receive adipose-targeted therapies, may not benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to activate energy-burning fat to help prevent or treat obesity and related metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and some early human work show that activating brown or beige fat can boost energy use and improve metabolism, but translating this into proven treatments for people remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramakrishnan, Sadeesh Kumar — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ramakrishnan, Sadeesh Kumar
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.