Investigating the role of fat cells in metabolic diseases
Official title: BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
Funded at James a. Haley VA Medical Center · NIH-10948107 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fat cells in our bodies affect our metabolism and health, especially when it comes to obesity, and it aims to find new ways to help improve metabolic health by understanding how these cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James a. Haley VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2020 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6BX005387-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948107 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are overweight or obese and may be experiencing metabolic issues such as adult-onset diabetes.
✕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 focuses on understanding how adipose tissue, or fat cells, function as an endocrine organ and influence metabolic processes in the body. It combines human studies with laboratory experiments on cells and animal models to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind metabolic diseases, particularly in relation to obesity. The research utilizes advanced techniques like RNA sequencing to analyze the role of noncoding RNA and cellular signaling in these processes. By examining how the environment of adipose stem cells changes in obesity, the study aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving metabolic health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity-related metabolic diseases, improving health outcomes for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of adipose tissue in metabolic diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
James a. Haley VA Medical Center
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Niketa a. — James a. Haley VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Patel, Niketa a.
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.