Investigating how Leucine supplements affect the formation of beige fat
Official title: Effect of TRB3 and Leucine Supplement on Beige Fat Formation
Funded at Tennessee State University · NIH-10850271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a nutrient called Leucine might help your body create a type of fat that burns energy, which could be useful for people trying to manage obesity and Type 2 diabetes, especially when combined with exercise and cold temperatures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $142,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM149457-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk for obesity or related metabolic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of Leucine, a branched-chain amino acid, in promoting the formation of beige fat, which is believed to help increase energy expenditure and combat obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which Leucine influences beige fat development and whether it can enhance the effects of exercise and cold exposure on fat formation. By using animal models, the researchers will examine how suppressing a specific protein, TRB3, can lead to increased beige fat and potentially prevent obesity-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary supplements or treatments that help prevent or manage obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of enhancing beige fat formation is gaining interest, this specific approach using Leucine and TRB3 inhibition is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects.
Where this research is happening
-
Tennessee State University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koh, Ho-Jin — Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Koh, Ho-Jin
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.