Mapping the different types of human fat cells
Investigating Human Adipocyte Heterogeneity
This project maps different kinds of human fat cells to understand how they relate to adult‑onset (type 2) diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323006 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of research where scientists use advanced single‑nucleus sequencing on human fat tissue to identify distinct fat‑cell subtypes from different body areas. They combine these molecular profiles with other measurements and lab experiments that change signaling molecules and key transcription factors to see how those changes shape cell types. The team links the discovered cell subtypes to diabetes‑related traits in people to find which types matter most for metabolism. All data will be shared in a public Human Adipose Tissue Knowledge Portal to help other researchers and standardize methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults (with or without type 2 diabetes) who are willing to provide adipose tissue samples and allow access to relevant clinical information.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate new treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic science and tissue‑mapping project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific fat‑cell types tied to diabetes and point to new targets for diagnostics or future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Recent single‑cell and single‑nucleus studies have already identified distinct adipocyte subtypes, so this work builds on emerging and promising methods.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosen, Evan D — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rosen, Evan D
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.