Investigating how a specific protein affects aging and obesity
Official title: A role for DUSP5 in aging and obesity
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-10625471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older and being overweight can cause inflammation in the body, and how a protein called DUSP5 might be involved in this process, especially for older adults who are at risk for diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $181,608 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG077248-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10625471 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who are obese and at risk for insulin resistance and diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have obesity-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between aging, obesity, and inflammation, focusing on how a protein called DUSP5 may play a role in these processes. It examines how chronic inflammation in older adults, particularly those who are obese, can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which certain proteins are activated or deactivated in response to inflammation in adipose tissue, which is crucial for maintaining metabolic health. By identifying these molecular pathways, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets to prevent or treat age-related metabolic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent diabetes and other metabolic diseases in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of inflammation in aging and obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferguson, Bradley S — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Ferguson, Bradley S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Fisetin approach to reduce vulnerability to community infections in aging veterans
A patient-friendly look at a study testing whether the natural compound fisetin can help aging Veterans stay healthier when they face common infections.
-
How obesity affects children's breathing as they grow up
This study follows children with obesity and without obesity as they age to see how body fat, lung function, exercise ability, and breathlessness change over six years.
-
Advancing Aging, Obesity, and Body Composition Care
Aimed at building training and leadership in aging, obesity, and body composition research to help older adults stay healthier.
-
Decoding the sperm RNA code and its link to obesity and fertility
Researchers are studying how the tiny RNAs in sperm change with aging and obesity, and what that could mean for a child’s health.
-
Boosting NAD to help blood sugar control in aging and obesity
This project is trying to see if raising levels of a molecule called NAD can help older adults and people with obesity keep their blood sugar more stable.
-
Investigating how aging and obesity affect brain immune cells
This study is looking at how getting older and being overweight affects brain immune cells, and it hopes to find out if giving younger blood to older mice can help improve brain health, which could lead to new ways to prevent or treat memory problems as we age.
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.