How the heart helps control body fat and protects against obesity
A cardiac Wingless-Snail-Tep2 axis directs normal lipid homeostasis and protects against diet-induced obesity
This research explores how signals from the heart help manage the body's fat levels and may offer new ways to protect against obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240793 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our heart plays a surprising role in how our body handles fats, but we don't fully understand how. This project looks at specific signals within the heart, called Wingless and Snail, that appear to control the body's overall fat metabolism. We've also found a protein called Tep2, which is released from the heart and seems to influence fat storage in other parts of the body. By understanding this communication pathway, we hope to uncover new ways the heart contributes to healthy fat balance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation but aims to benefit individuals at risk for or living with obesity and lipid metabolism disorders in the future.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by obesity or lipid metabolism issues would not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating diet-induced obesity and related metabolic conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown the heart's role in lipid homeostasis, and preliminary findings in this project suggest this specific signaling pathway is a promising area for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Hui-Ying — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lim, Hui-Ying
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.