Investigating how a specific enzyme in fat cells affects energy use and obesity
Official title: The Role of Mitochondrial TNAP in Adaptive Thermogenesis
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10983323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme in fat cells affects energy use and weight gain, using special mice to see if understanding this could help find new ways to treat obesity and diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $127,781 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DK132455-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of obesity or obesity-related diabetes, particularly those with metabolic dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of mitochondrial tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) in fat cells and its impact on energy expenditure and obesity. By using genetically modified mice that express TNAP in their adipose tissues, the study aims to explore how this enzyme influences metabolic processes related to obesity and diabetes. The researchers will employ biochemical techniques and cell imaging to analyze the localization and function of TNAP, which could lead to new insights into obesity treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in adipose tissue for obesity treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Yizhi — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Sun, Yizhi
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.