Role of adipocyte KAT8 in fat function and insulin resistance
Official title: Elucidating the roles of adipocyte KAT8 in lipoatrophy and systemic insulin resistance
Funded at Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr · NIH-11373029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the enzyme KAT8 in fat cells affects obesity-related insulin resistance in adults with type 2 diabetes-related risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $443,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135266-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for adult-onset diabetes and metabolic syndrome who have adipose tissue biology that could be influenced by KAT8-related mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without metabolic dysfunction related to adipose tissue function may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a fat-cell enzyme called KAT8 influences how fat stores fat and how the body responds to insulin. By studying adipocytes, the team aims to uncover mechanisms linking adipose tissue health to metabolic diseases like adult-onset diabetes. The work involves laboratory analyses of human adipose cells and related biology to understand how KAT8 affects systemic metabolism. Findings could point toward new targets for improving insulin sensitivity in people affected by metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new pathways to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in adults with obesity-related diabetes risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests adipocyte biology plays a key role in systemic metabolism; this study builds on that by focusing on KAT8, a novel adipocyte enzyme.
Where this research is happening
-
Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stephens, Jacqueline M — Lsu Pennington Biomedical Research Ctr
- Study coordinator: Stephens, Jacqueline M
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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.