Understanding how a specific protein affects fat cell growth
Official title: Zinc Finger Protein 949 as a Potential Transcriptional Suppressor of Adipocyte Hypertrophy - Resubmission - 1
Funded at New York Inst of Technology · NIH-11134681 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a protein called Zfp949 might help control fat cell growth, which could lead to new ways to address obesity and related heart conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Inst of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Old Westbury, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $114,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DK138218-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134681 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help individuals at risk for or living with obesity and cardiovascular diseases in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options for obesity or cardiovascular disease will not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
What this research studies
Our bodies store fat in cells called adipocytes, and when these cells grow too large, it can lead to obesity. We've found a protein, Zfp949, that appears to prevent fat cells from accumulating too much fat. This project uses advanced techniques to identify the specific genes, proteins, and fats involved in this process. By understanding how Zfp949 works, we hope to discover new targets for treatments that could prevent or reduce obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications or strategies to prevent or treat obesity and its associated cardiovascular risks.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of Zfp949 in fat cell growth is novel, other studies have explored the role of zinc finger proteins in cellular processes, and preliminary data from this lab show promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Inst of Technology
Old Westbury, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruiz, Henry H — New York Inst of Technology
- Study coordinator: Ruiz, Henry H
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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.