Investigating a protein that may help control fat cell growth
Official title: Zinc Finger Protein 949 as a Potential Transcriptional Suppressor of Adipocyte Hypertrophy - Resubmission - 1
Funded at New York Inst of Technology · NIH-11203764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Zfp949 affects the growth of fat cells, which is important for understanding obesity, and it hopes to find new ways to help people manage or prevent weight gain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Inst of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Old Westbury, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $105,723 |
| NIH project number | 7R03DK138218-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11203764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of obesity or those struggling with weight management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or related metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, zinc finger protein 949 (Zfp949), influences the growth of fat cells, which is a key factor in obesity. By studying genetically modified mice, researchers aim to uncover the cellular changes that lead to increased fat storage in these cells. The goal is to determine if enhancing the levels of Zfp949 could serve as a new treatment strategy for preventing or managing obesity. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to innovative therapies targeting fat cell behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity by targeting fat cell growth.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of Zfp949 is not extensively studied, similar approaches targeting fat cell regulation have shown promise in other research.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Inst of Technology
Old Westbury, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruiz, Henry H — New York Inst of Technology
- Study coordinator: Ruiz, Henry H
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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.