How the SLIT3 protein controls heat-making (brown) fat
Mechanisms of slits3 signaling in thermogenic adipose tissue
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · NIH-11326794
This project looks at how the protein SLIT3 helps brown fat make heat and could help adults with obesity or diabetes burn more calories and improve blood sugar.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers will examine SLIT3 signaling in heat-producing brown fat cells using tissue samples and advanced single-cell gene analysis. They will combine human tissue data with lab experiments (including animal models) to trace how SLIT3 affects fat cell behavior and blood-vessel interactions. The goal is to find molecular steps that can be targeted to expand or activate brown fat and boost metabolism. If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or therapies to improve weight control and blood sugar.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or other metabolic conditions would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or future clinical trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: People who are lean and metabolically healthy are less likely to see direct benefit from therapies that specifically target brown fat activation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify molecular targets to activate brown fat and lead to therapies that increase calorie burning and improve glucose and lipid control in people with obesity or diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and early human research shows activating brown fat can raise energy use and improve glucose and lipid levels, but safe, effective clinical treatments from these approaches remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHAMSI, FARNAZ — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SHAMSI, FARNAZ
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.