How the body controls glycogen in liver and fat
Regulation of glycogen in health and disease
This project looks at whether changing how glycogen is handled in liver and fat can help people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249241 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The researchers study how glycogen — the stored form of sugar — directs cells in the liver and fat to either store or burn energy. They focus on two linked pathways: how liver glycogen can trigger fat production through AMPK-related signaling, and how glycogen turnover in fat cells supports heat production and energy use. The work uses cell and animal models and biochemical methods to map the feedback and feedforward controls of glycogen metabolism. Results may point to drug targets or other ways to shift tissue energy use to improve metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease would be the most relevant candidates for this research or future clinical work stemming from it.
Not a fit: People without metabolic disorders or those with rare genetic glycogen storage diseases are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that improve blood sugar control, reduce liver fat, or boost the body's ability to burn energy.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have linked glycogen and AMPK signaling to metabolism, but turning these findings into human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saltiel, Alan R. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Saltiel, Alan R.
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.