Regulation of brown fat energy burn and metabolism in adults with diabetes
Official title: Regulation of Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis and Metabolism
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11455973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at UC Berkeley will explore how a protein called FAM3D in brown fat affects energy use and glucose control, with potential implications for adults with 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 | August 5, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $782,184 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK146220-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with type 2 diabetes or at risk for metabolic disease who may benefit from therapies that enhance brown fat activity.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without metabolic disease or those unable to participate in genetic or molecular studies related to brown fat may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at brown adipose tissue, or brown fat, and how it manages energy and sugar in the body. Researchers will examine the role of FAM3D in brown fat thermogenesis and how it influences whole-body metabolism, including insulin sensitivity. The work involves studying genetic and molecular pathways in animal models and human-relevant systems to understand how FAM3D interacts with FPR2 and adrenergic signals. By uncovering these mechanisms, the study aims to identify targets that could boost energy expenditure and improve metabolic health. Results could guide future therapies to help people with adult-onset diabetes better regulate weight and blood sugar.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies to increase energy burning in brown fat and improve blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that modulating brown fat activity can affect metabolism, though this specific FAM3D–FPR2 pathway is still being explored with promising 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
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.