Investigating how a specific protein affects metabolism and muscle mass
Role of dynamin-related protein 1 in the regulation of metabolism and skeletal muscle mass
This study is looking at how a protein called Drp1 affects metabolism and muscle health, especially for people dealing with metabolic syndrome, obesity, or type 2 diabetes, by using mice to see how changes in cell energy factories (mitochondria) impact insulin and muscle function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11037996 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (Drp1) in regulating metabolism and muscle mass, particularly in the context of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The study examines how mitochondrial function and architecture remodeling influence insulin action and muscle metabolism. By using a mouse model with a specific knockout of Drp1 in skeletal muscle, researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that link mitochondrial dynamics to metabolic health and muscle wasting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing metabolic dysfunction, obesity, or type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have metabolic dysfunction or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving metabolic health and preventing muscle loss in patients with metabolic syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting mitochondrial dynamics can improve metabolic health, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Zhenqi — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Zhenqi
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 below.