Investigating a new microprotein linked to heart and fat tissue health
Official title: Characterization of Nrac, a Novel Cardiac and Adipose Enriched Microprotein
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11065689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tiny protein called Nrac that helps manage fat in the body and how it might affect heart health, especially for people dealing with obesity, to find out if understanding it better can lead to new ways to improve heart conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | December 22, 2024 |
| Project end | December 21, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,915 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL178081-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are obese or at risk for cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or cardiovascular risk factors may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a novel microprotein called Nrac, which is found in heart and fat tissues and plays a role in lipid metabolism. The project aims to understand how Nrac affects the dynamics of lipid droplets and its connection to cardiovascular disease, particularly in the context of obesity. By examining how Nrac is regulated by nutrition and its interactions with other proteins, the research seeks to uncover its potential impact on heart health. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how this microprotein influences cardiovascular conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases related to obesity.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of microproteins in metabolic processes is gaining attention, the specific investigation of Nrac is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coughlin, Taylor — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Coughlin, Taylor
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.