Investigating how a specific enzyme affects metabolism and body weight regulation
Official title: Genetic dissection of tissue-specific roles of a circadian NADPH phosphatase
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10942150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Nocturnin affects metabolism and weight by using special mice that don’t have this protein in certain parts of their bodies, to see how it changes their energy use and fat storage, especially when they eat a high-fat diet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $592,812 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140283-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity or metabolic disorders who may benefit from insights into metabolic regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called Nocturnin (NOCT) in metabolism and body weight regulation. By using genetically modified mice that lack NOCT in specific tissues, researchers will explore how this enzyme influences energy expenditure and fat accumulation, particularly when the mice are fed a high-fat diet. The study will involve measuring body weight, food intake, and energy expenditure over a 20-week period, along with analyzing various tissues to uncover the metabolic effects of NOCT. This approach aims to provide insights into how metabolism is regulated at the tissue level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing obesity and related metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting specific metabolic pathways can lead to significant advancements in understanding obesity, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Green, Carla B. — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Green, Carla B.
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.