Investigating a gene on the X chromosome that affects obesity in women
Official title: A sex-biased obesity gene on the X chromosome
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10872674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called Kdm5c on the X chromosome affects weight gain in women after menopause, hoping to find ways to help women manage obesity and related health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $550,812 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK143368-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872674 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women who are experiencing obesity or related cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not postmenopausal or who do not have obesity-related health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific gene on the X chromosome, known as Kdm5c, influences obesity in women, particularly after menopause. The study examines how this gene affects fat accumulation and energy expenditure by altering gene expression and chromatin structure in adipose tissue. By using mouse models, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind sex differences in obesity and cardiovascular disease risk, which are particularly pronounced in postmenopausal women. The findings could lead to targeted interventions for obesity-related health issues in women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating obesity and cardiovascular disease in women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic factors influencing obesity, but this specific focus on the Kdm5c gene in relation to sex differences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reue, Karen — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Reue, Karen
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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.