PCPE2's role in healthy fat growth and blood lipid control
Pcpe2 in Adipose Tissue Expansion and Lipoprotein Metabolism
This project looks at whether the protein PCPE2 helps fat tissue grow in a healthier way and keeps blood fats lower for people at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323118 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that researchers are studying how precursor cells in belly fat choose to become new fat cells or inflammatory cells, and how PCPE2 influences that choice. They will use single-cell sequencing of adipose tissue, cell and tissue experiments, and diet-based models alongside human tissue samples to track PCPE2 and related TGFβ/BMP signaling. The team will also measure effects on lipoprotein handling, inflammation, and markers linked to diabetes and heart disease. Findings aim to reveal whether shifting fat growth toward making new, healthy fat cells can improve metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes, or people at high risk for these conditions who might donate adipose tissue samples or take part in related clinical protocols.
Not a fit: People without metabolic risk factors, or those needing immediate clinical treatments for advanced diabetes or heart disease, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that promote healthy fat expansion and better blood lipid control, lowering risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and cell studies show that promoting adipocyte hyperplasia rather than hypertrophy can improve metabolism, but targeting PCPE2 is a novel approach with limited human data.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sorci-Thomas, Mary G — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Sorci-Thomas, Mary G
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.