Investigating how to enhance energy expenditure in fat cells
Enhancer for UCP1 transcription and thermogenesis
This study is looking at how to turn on a special protein in brown fat cells that helps burn energy, with the hope of finding new ways to help people lose weight and improve their overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10945229 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how to activate a specific protein, UCP1, in brown fat cells to increase energy expenditure and combat obesity. The team will explore a newly identified enhancer region that may boost UCP1 transcription and its associated gene programs. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR and ATAC sequencing, they will analyze how this enhancer functions and its effects on fat metabolism and insulin regulation in mice. The ultimate goal is to uncover new strategies to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who are struggling with obesity or related metabolic conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity and related metabolic diseases, improving health outcomes for many patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing UCP1 activity and its potential to combat obesity, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sul, Hei Sook — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Sul, Hei Sook
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 below.