Regulation of a new adipokine that improves insulin sensitivity
Official title: Regulation of Insulin Sensitivity by a Novel Adipokine
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11358325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist-led study will explore how a newly found adipokine called NRN1 helps fat tissue control insulin and glucose in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $794,101 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK147451-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes who could benefit from improved insulin sensitivity.
✕Less likely to help
People without metabolic disease or those not affected by insulin resistance may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at UC Berkeley will study NRN1, a protein secreted by fat tissue, to understand how it affects insulin action and glucose use in the body. They will examine NRN1’s role in adipose tissue and how it may communicate with other organs, using experiments in cells and animal models and analyzing human data. The project aims to map the signaling pathways, including FGFR1, that NRN1 uses to influence metabolism, and to see how NRN1 levels change in obesity. Findings could reveal new targets to improve insulin sensitivity and help people manage type 2 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to boost insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control for people with obesity-related diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests adipokines regulate metabolism, and NRN1 shows promise as a regulator of insulin sensitivity in preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Sona — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Kang, Sona
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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.