Understanding how a liver protein affects body weight and metabolism
Post-translational control of whole body energy balance by hepatic ISGylation
['FUNDING_R03'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11124151
This project explores how a specific protein process in the liver influences overall body weight and how the body uses energy, which could help us understand obesity and metabolic issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124151 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks into how chronic inflammation contributes to obesity and related metabolic problems. Researchers are focusing on a process in the liver called ISGylation, where a small protein called ISG15 attaches to other proteins. Early findings in mice suggest that reducing ISG15 in the liver can help prevent weight gain and improve how the body handles sugar and fat. Since the liver doesn't directly burn a lot of calories, this work aims to discover how liver ISGylation communicates with other organs to control appetite, activity, and energy use. By identifying the specific proteins involved, we hope to uncover new ways the body regulates its energy balance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications could benefit individuals with obesity, insulin resistance, or metabolic liver conditions.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing obesity, insulin resistance, or metabolic dysfunction would likely not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to manage obesity, improve insulin sensitivity, and address metabolic dysfunction by targeting specific processes in the liver.
How similar studies have performed: While the general link between inflammation and metabolism is known, the specific role of hepatic ISGylation in whole-body energy balance is a novel area of investigation with promising preliminary data from animal models.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PATEL, SURAJ J — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: PATEL, SURAJ J
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.