How unhealthy fat tissue affects liver disease and diabetes
Official title: Dysfunctional adipose tissue's role in hepatic metabolic disease
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11044229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how unhealthy fat in our bodies can lead to fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes, and it aims to find ways to help people improve their metabolic health by understanding how fat works in our bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $211,401 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM144269-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing obesity or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy adipose tissue function or those without metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of dysfunctional adipose tissue in the development of fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. It focuses on understanding how the function of fat tissue, rather than just its amount, influences metabolic health. The study will explore the mechanisms by which unhealthy fat storage and release of fatty acids impact liver metabolism and contribute to disease. By examining these processes, the research aims to identify potential targets for improving metabolic health in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between adipose tissue function and metabolic diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lutkewitte, Andrew — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lutkewitte, Andrew
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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.