Perilipin 5: how a fat-droplet protein helps cells sense nutrients to support healthy aging
Perilipin 5: Linking lipid droplets to nutrient sensing and healthy aging
It explores how a protein on fat droplets helps cells use fats to trigger protective signals that could keep people healthier as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248360 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient viewpoint, scientists are studying a protein called PLIN5 that sits on fat droplets inside cells and appears to move fats into the nucleus to turn on protective programs. They will mimic fasting-like signals that break down fat and track how monounsaturated fatty acids are transported and whether they activate the aging-related enzyme SIRT1. Experiments will include changing PLIN5 levels in cells and animal models, measuring SIRT1 activity and markers of tissue health, and linking those molecular changes to known nutrient-sensing pathways. The work aims to clarify the chain from fat breakdown to cellular protection that may underlie benefits seen with calorie restriction or intermittent fasting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People interested in healthy aging, or those willing to donate adipose tissue samples or join future trials targeting fat metabolism, would be most relevant for follow-up participation.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments for an active illness or advanced organ failure are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways—dietary or drug-based—to boost healthy aging by promoting beneficial fat breakdown and SIRT1 activation.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies have linked fatty acids, lipolysis, and SIRT1 to improved healthspan, but the idea that PLIN5 ferries monounsaturated fats to activate SIRT1 is a newer, less-tested mechanism.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Najt, Charles P — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Najt, Charles P
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.