How the body adapts to use fats for energy based on nutrient availability
Official title: Nutrient-adaptive mechanisms driving mitochondrial lipid oxidation in response to fatty acid supply and demand
Funded at U.s. National Inst Diabetes/digst/kidney · NIH-10500059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny parts of our cells, called mitochondria, change when we eat different types of food, especially fats, and how a special protein helps our bodies use these fats for energy, which is important for people with diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. National Inst Diabetes/digst/kidney NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| NIH project number | 1FI2GM146656-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10500059 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 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to metabolic flexibility or lipid metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, adapt to changes in nutrient supply, particularly focusing on the use of fats for energy. It explores the role of a specific protein modification, O-GlcNAcylation, in regulating lipid oxidation, which is crucial for conditions like diabetes and fatty liver disease. By studying mice, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms that allow cells to switch between different energy sources, which could lead to new insights into metabolic diseases. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze metabolic changes and protein interactions in response to varying fatty acid levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases by enhancing the body's ability to utilize fats for energy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. National Inst Diabetes/digst/kidney
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lockridge, Amber D — U.s. National Inst Diabetes/digst/kidney
- Study coordinator: Lockridge, Amber D
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.