Investigating how SIK3 affects fat cell energy regulation
Official title: Role of SIK3 in PKA/mTORC1 regulation of adipose browning
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10922798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called SIK3 helps fat cells burn energy and change from white fat to brown fat, which could lead to new treatments for obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $519,119 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132236-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are overweight or obese and may be struggling with related metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are underweight or have conditions unrelated to obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of SIK3 in the regulation of energy expenditure in fat cells, particularly how it influences the transformation of white fat into brown fat. By exploring the signaling pathways involved, the study aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could enhance energy burning in adipose tissue. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments for obesity and related metabolic disorders. The research employs advanced molecular biology techniques to dissect these complex biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively promote weight loss and improve metabolic health in individuals with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for obesity treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collins, Sheila — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Collins, Sheila
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving healthcare for patients with inherited cancer syndromes using a web-based platform
This study is testing a new online tool called MeTree that helps people understand their risk for inherited cancer by combining their medical records and family health history, making it easier for patients and doctors to get the information they need for better care and support.
-
Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
-
Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Enhanced surveillance for new vaccine‑preventable diseases
A Vanderbilt team is tracking how well vaccines work and how diseases like flu, RSV, norovirus, and SARS‑CoV‑2 affect young children over time.
-
Generative AI to create private, fair health data for research
A researcher at Vanderbilt aims to use Generative AI to create synthetic health data that protects patient privacy while helping AI models be fairer and more accurate.
-
ConProject-003: A patient-facing initiative at Vanderbilt for advancing care
A Vanderbilt-led project (ConProject-003) is funded to drive improvements in care for people with a specific health condition through a dedicated program.
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.