How the body controls branched-chain amino acids
Covalent regulation of branched chain amino acid metabolism
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11291292
This work looks at ways cells control branched-chain amino acids that build up in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291292 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my point of view, researchers are studying how cells and tissues control levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are often high in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. They will use lab-grown cells, genetically modified animals (including rats), and gene-editing tools like CRISPR to map how a key enzyme complex (BCKDH) is turned on or off by chemical changes. The team will test whether changing those chemical controls lowers BCAA buildup and improves insulin sensitivity in animal models. Findings will be compared with human genetic data to connect the lab results to people who have higher BCAA levels and diabetes risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with or at high risk for type 2 diabetes—especially those with obesity or elevated blood BCAA levels—would be the most relevant group if human participation is included.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes or conditions unrelated to BCAA metabolism may not benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to lower blood BCAA levels and improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work shows that lowering dietary BCAAs improves insulin sensitivity in rats, but targeting the enzymes that break down BCAAs in people is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FINCK, BRIAN N — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: FINCK, BRIAN N
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