NIH-funded research R01 grant

Role of DENND5B in How the Body Absorbs Dietary Lipids

Official title: The Role of DENND5B in Dietary Lipid Absorption

Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11404835 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A study in adults looking at how a specific gene, DENND5B, affects how our intestines absorb fats from meals and how this influences heart health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project startJuly 15, 2022
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$511,878
NIH project number5R01DK133184-05
Project IDNIH-11404835 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates include adults with or at risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or individuals with genetic variants in DENND5B.

Less likely to help

People without metabolic or cardiovascular risk factors may not directly benefit from this study.

What this research studies

This project explores how DENND5B helps chylomicrons (fat-carrying particles) move from the gut cells into the bloodstream, which can impact body fat and blood lipids. Researchers use a mouse model with DENND5B deleted to understand the pathway from the Golgi to the cell surface and how it affects lipid transport. The work connects basic biology to potential implications for obesity and atherosclerosis in humans. Findings could reveal new targets to improve metabolic health and reduce cardiovascular risk related to dietary fats.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new ways to modulate fat absorption and improve lipid profiles, potentially lowering cardiovascular risk.

How similar studies have gone: Past work linking DENND5B to lipid transport in animals has shown its importance; human relevance is being explored in this grant.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Kentucky
    Lexington, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gordon, Scott M — University of Kentucky
  • Study coordinator: Gordon, Scott M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.