Loss of estrogen receptor in blood‑derived fat cells may drive belly fat via kynurenine and the Ah receptor
Suppression of ERalpha in Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Derived Adipocytes Increases Adiposity via Kynurenine and the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor
Looks at whether loss of estrogen signaling in blood‑derived fat cells causes increased belly fat in women during and after menopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163374 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a special type of fat cell produced from blood stem cells that becomes more common in abdominal fat. They are testing how reducing estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in these cells affects production of kynurenine and activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which may promote fat gain. The work uses mouse experiments, molecular studies of adipose tissue, and comparisons with human fat samples to track these cells, enzymes like IDO1, and signaling changes. By linking cell changes to body‑fat shifts after ovarian hormone loss, the team hopes to identify targets that could prevent or treat menopausal belly fat.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women in perimenopause or postmenopause who have gained abdominal fat and are willing to provide clinical data or tissue samples would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Men, people whose weight changes have clear non‑hormonal causes, or those seeking immediate weight‑loss treatments may not benefit directly from this basic/translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent or treat abdominal fat gain after menopause by targeting kynurenine/AhR signaling or blood‑derived fat cells.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and preliminary lab data support a kynurenine–AhR role in diet‑induced obesity and suggest these blood‑derived fat cells are important, but translating findings into human therapies is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klemm, Dwight J — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Klemm, Dwight J
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.