Role of the body's natural cannabis-like system in diabetes progression and heart risk
Official title: Role of the Endocannabinoid System, Metabolic Disease Progression, and Associated Cardiovascular Risk
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11451041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how the body's endocannabinoid system affects the progression from obesity to diabetes and the associated risk for cardiovascular disease in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $854,391 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL184098-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obesity who are at risk for or have progressed toward type 2 diabetes and related cardiovascular risk.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without obesity or diabetes-related cardiovascular risk may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
If you are an adult with obesity who may be at risk for developing diabetes, this project will explore how natural body signals related to cannabis-like molecules are linked to worsening metabolic health and heart risk. Researchers will examine how these signals change as diabetes develops and how they connect to blood vessel health, appetite, and lipid metabolism. The study builds on previous findings that specific endocannabinoids correlate with diabetes and heart disease risk, aiming to uncover moving parts in these relationships. The results could guide new approaches to prevent or reduce cardiovascular complications in people with metabolic disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of the endocannabinoid system could lead to new strategies to prevent or lessen heart disease risk in people progressing from obesity to diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown links between endocannabinoids and metabolic/vascular risk, but the precise interactions in humans remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Susan — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Susan
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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.