Reprogramming sympathetic nerve connections in fat tissue through DNA methylation
Official title: Reprogramming of sympathetic innervation in response to environmental cues by DNA methylation
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-11448133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project looks at how fat tissue’s nerves change in response to environment and how DNA methylation may control that process, with the goal of helping people who have obesity-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $715,511 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK145617-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with obesity or metabolic conditions related to adipose tissue function could benefit from future translational applications of this work.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without adipose-related metabolic issues may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how environmental cues like cold and diet influence the nerves that control fat tissue. By studying DNA methylation, researchers want to understand how sympathetic innervation in adipose tissue adapts and contributes to brown and beige fat activity. The work involves analyzing tissue samples and using molecular approaches to map epigenetic changes that affect nerve growth and fat cell behavior. The findings could reveal new angles for therapies that boost fat-burning pathways in obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify epigenetic targets to enhance fat thermogenesis and help manage obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that cold and dietary factors can influence adipose tissue thermogenesis, with epigenetic mechanisms implicated in nerve-adipose interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Hang — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Shi, Hang
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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.