How the protein CCNC controls changes in fat tissue
Regulation of adipose tissue remodeling by the CCNC-Mediator
This research looks at whether a protein called CCNC helps fat tissue make more small, healthy fat cells to lower the chance of insulin resistance in adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251997 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that scientists are studying a protein named CCNC that appears to control how fat cells form and remodel. They use genetically modified mice to turn CCNC off in specific tissues and watch how fat tissue changes, including the development of more small fat cells and 'browning' of white fat. The team also connects their lab findings to human genetic data showing links between CCNC, body mass index, and type 2 diabetes. The goal is to learn whether changing CCNC-related pathways could lead to future treatments that improve metabolism in people with obesity or diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes who might donate tissue samples or take part in future clinical studies targeting fat-cell remodeling would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without metabolic disease or those needing immediate changes in blood sugar control are unlikely to get direct benefit from this early laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the findings translate to people, this work could point to new therapies that encourage healthier fat tissue and reduce insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal studies by the team and others indicate that altering CCNC can change fat tissue and improve metabolic measures in mice, but applying this approach in humans remains novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Fajun James — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yang, Fajun James
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.