Investigating a protein's role in reducing fat accumulation
Official title: Novel Function of Ubiquitin-Like Protein 5 As a Fat Suppressor
Funded at VA Veterans Administration Hospital · NIH-11061769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called UBL5 affects how our bodies store fat, especially in relation to conditions like fatty liver, to help find new ways to treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Veterans Administration Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005992-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals at risk for metabolic diseases, particularly those with conditions like fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or those with established conditions that are not related to fat metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how ubiquitin-like protein 5 (UBL5) influences fat storage in the body, particularly in relation to metabolic diseases like fatty liver. The study examines the connection between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and lipid accumulation, focusing on how UBL5 is affected by this stress and its subsequent impact on fat metabolism. By analyzing cellular responses and pathways, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for conditions associated with excessive fat storage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating metabolic diseases related to fat accumulation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of proteins in fat metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Veterans Administration Hospital
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fang, Xianjun — VA Veterans Administration Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fang, Xianjun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Axonal Damage from Sulfatide Loss in MS (Untethered from Demyelination)
Aimed at understanding how the loss of a fatty coating in nerve fibers might cause nerve damage in people with multiple sclerosis, beyond the loss of myelin.
-
How physical and biological measures relate to symptoms and daily function after a traumatic brain injury
This project brings together data from veterans with traumatic brain injury to look at how physiological signs relate to symptoms and recovery of everyday function.
-
Wearable leg exoskeleton to help people with Parkinson's walk more safely
This tests whether a lightweight wearable exoskeleton called Keeogo can help people with Parkinson's disease walk better and reduce falls.
-
Microbiota Transplant Therapy to Prevent HE Recurrence in Veterans with Cirrhosis
A Phase 2B multi-center study tests using donor microbiota transplants to prevent hepatic encephalopathy from coming back in Veterans with cirrhosis.
-
How the StarD5 cholesterol transporter affects fatty liver disease
This project looks at whether a protein called StarD5 that moves cholesterol inside liver cells helps cause or prevent fatty liver disease.
-
How sphingolipids help KRAS-driven non-small cell lung cancer grow and persist
This research looks at whether changes in sphingolipid fat molecules tied to KRAS mutations help non-small cell lung cancer form and whether targeting those changes could lead to new treatments for people with KRAS-mutant tumors.
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.