Investigating how certain fatty acids in breast milk affect fat cell development in infants to prevent obesity.
Official title: NR2F2 Pioneers Neonatal Beige Adipogenesis to Protect Against Later-life Obesity
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11258449 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the fatty acids in breast milk might affect how babies develop fat cells, with the hope of finding ways to reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $107,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK139005-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11258449 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants and young children, particularly those at risk for obesity due to dietary factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already experiencing obesity-related complications or adults may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of fatty acids in breast milk on the development of fat cells in infants, particularly focusing on how these fatty acids can influence the risk of childhood obesity. By studying the effects of high omega-6 fatty acids on adipocyte (fat cell) formation, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to obesity-prone fat tissue. The approach involves examining the role of a specific protein, NR2F2, in regulating fat cell development and how its levels change in response to fatty acid exposure. The ultimate goal is to identify strategies that could help prevent obesity from an early age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new guidelines for infant nutrition that help reduce the risk of obesity later in life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of nutrition in obesity prevention, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rudolph, Michael C. — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rudolph, Michael C.
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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.