Investigating how Leucine supplements affect the formation of beige fat

Effect of TRB3 and Leucine Supplement on Beige Fat Formation

NIH-funded research Tennessee State University · NIH-10850271

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTennessee State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10850271 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk for obesity or related metabolic diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.