Improving fat function through blood vessel development
Official title: Energizing good fat by neurovascular development
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11012335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein can help create more blood vessels in fat tissue, which might help people with obesity and insulin resistance, and it aims to understand how this protein works with another one to boost energy use in fat cells, potentially leading to new ways to treat metabolic issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 22, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $175,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DK138411-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or insulin resistance, particularly those with adult-onset diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, can enhance blood vessel formation in fat tissue, which may help combat obesity and insulin resistance. The study will explore the interaction between this growth factor and another factor called angiopoietin-2 to understand how they work together to improve energy expenditure in fat cells. By using advanced genetic models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that promote healthy fat function and potentially lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and related metabolic conditions by enhancing the function of fat tissue.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing fat function through blood vessel development, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daquinag, Alexes — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Daquinag, Alexes
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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.