Understanding a protein called RBP2 and its role in body weight and sugar processing
RBP2 Biology and Pathobiology
This project aims to understand how a protein called RBP2 helps manage body weight, how our bodies handle sugar, and fat levels in the liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11094009 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We've noticed that a protein called RBP2 plays an unexpected role in keeping our body weight, sugar responses, and liver fat levels healthy. When RBP2 is missing, mice tend to gain more weight, respond less effectively to sugar challenges, and accumulate more fat in their liver. Our work also shows that RBP2 is found in gut cells and binds to certain fats, suggesting it's important for how our gut processes nutrients. By learning more about RBP2, we hope to uncover new ways to support metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing challenges with body weight management, glucose regulation, or elevated liver fat might find this research particularly relevant.
Not a fit: Patients without metabolic conditions related to body weight, glucose processing, or liver fat are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to understand and potentially manage conditions related to body weight, blood sugar control, and liver fat.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous observations by the researchers that RBP2 plays an unexpected role in metabolism, and it aims to understand the underlying biochemical reasons for these findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blaner, William S — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Blaner, William S
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 below.