How overeating changes belly fat
Deconstructing the diet-induced remodeling of adipose tissue
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11293395
Researchers are mapping the different cell types and signals in belly fat to understand how weight gain causes inflammation and scarring that raise diabetes risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11293395 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how visceral (belly) fat changes when people or animals gain weight, focusing on both the fat cells and the supporting stromal and immune cells. Scientists are using single-cell RNA sequencing to identify distinct cell populations, including progenitor cells and macrophages, and to see which cells make scar‑forming extracellular matrix. They examine how enlarged fat cells and reduced blood vessel growth cause local low oxygen and drive fibrosis and inflammation. The goal is to pinpoint the specific cell types and signals that worsen metabolic health so future treatments can target them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes who can provide or consent to donate abdominal fat samples or participate in related clinic visits would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without obesity or those with non‑metabolic forms of diabetes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce harmful scarring and inflammation in belly fat, lowering the risk or severity of type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Other single‑cell and animal studies have shown immune and stromal cell changes in obese fat, but turning those discoveries into therapies remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FARMER, STEPHEN ROBERT — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: FARMER, STEPHEN ROBERT
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus