How phosphatidate phosphatase controls fat and metabolism
Regulation and Role of Phosphatidate Phosphatase in Lipid Metabolism
This work looks at how a key enzyme that controls fat production and storage may influence insulin resistance and adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11081123 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on an enzyme called phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) that helps regulate fats used for energy storage and cell membranes. Scientists use biochemical tests, genetic tools, cell models, yeast, and mice to see how changing PAP levels affects fat droplet formation, liver fat, and insulin action, and they relate those findings to known human genetic defects in PAP (lipin) proteins. They measure lipid levels, gene activity, and metabolic outcomes in animals and cells while connecting the results to human disease biology. The goal is to map steps in lipid control that could point to new ways to treat fatty liver, insulin resistance, or related complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes, insulin resistance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or known lipin-related genetic disorders would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to lipid metabolism or who have autoimmune type 1 diabetes without lipid-driven complications may be less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets to prevent or treat insulin resistance, fatty liver, and metabolic complications tied to type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and human genetic studies show that altering PAP/lipin levels changes fat storage and insulin sensitivity, but translating those findings into human treatments is still at an early, preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Piscataway, United States
- Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. — Piscataway, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carman, George M. — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Carman, George 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 below.