Investigating how exosomes affect insulin action in different types of obesity
Official title: Exosomes and insulin action in metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10917333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles in the blood that might help us understand how obesity affects insulin sensitivity, and it's for people with different types of obesity to see if these particles can lead to better treatments for managing insulin and metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $590,157 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137206-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with obesity, particularly those categorized as metabolically healthy or unhealthy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or those with metabolic conditions unrelated to insulin sensitivity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of small extracellular vesicles (exosomes) in regulating insulin sensitivity among individuals with different obesity profiles. By analyzing exosomes from plasma and adipose tissue, the study aims to understand how these vesicles influence metabolic processes and insulin signaling. Participants will be grouped based on their metabolic health status, allowing researchers to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving insulin action. The findings could lead to new insights into the mechanisms behind obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for obesity-related metabolic diseases, enhancing insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the role of exosomes in metabolic regulation, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klein, Samuel — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Klein, Samuel
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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.