How the protein SIK3 controls turning white fat into calorie-burning brown fat
Role of SIK3 in PKA/mTORC1 regulation of adipose browning
This research looks at how SIK3 helps convert ordinary fat into calorie-burning fat, which could help adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178376 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses lab experiments to follow molecular signals (including PKA and mTORC1) that turn white fat cells into brown-like, calorie-burning cells. Work will include experiments in cells and animal models to see how changing SIK3 activity alters key brown-fat genes such as UCP1 and PGC-1α. The researchers will measure changes in fat cell behavior, mitochondrial activity, and energy use to find points that could be targeted by drugs. The goal is to identify ways to boost energy expenditure through peripheral mechanisms rather than suppressing appetite.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older with overweight or obesity, including people with type 2 diabetes, are the most relevant candidates for related future clinical work or participation.
Not a fit: People at a healthy weight or those with medical problems unrelated to adipose tissue or metabolism are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that increase calorie burning in fat tissue and help people with obesity or type 2 diabetes lose weight and improve blood sugar control.
How similar studies have performed: Past studies show the sympathetic-cAMP-PKA pathway can promote fat browning, but targeting SIK3 specifically is a newer approach with limited testing in humans so far.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collins, Sheila — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Collins, Sheila
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.