Understanding how a protein quality-control system helps fat cells mature important enzymes.
Official title: A central role of SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD in LPL maturation in adipocytes
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11051176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein system helps fat cells make sure that an important enzyme, which helps break down fats, is working properly, and it could help us understand problems related to fat metabolism that affect people's health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $389,215 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137794-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051176 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with metabolic disorders or conditions related to lipid metabolism, such as obesity or cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein complex in the maturation of lipoprotein lipases (LPL) within fat cells (adipocytes). It focuses on how the SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD system helps manage misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, ensuring that LPL is properly formed and functional. By examining the interactions between ERAD and autophagy, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that prevent the accumulation of misfolded proteins, which can lead to cellular dysfunction. The findings could provide insights into metabolic disorders related to lipid metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for metabolic disorders linked to lipid metabolism and cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding protein quality-control mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treating metabolic disorders, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qi, Ling — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Qi, Ling
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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.