Understanding how aging affects fat cell development
Deciphering age-dependent beige adipocyte failure
This study is looking at how being in cold temperatures might help older adults produce more beige fat cells, which can help burn sugar and fat for energy, and it aims to find ways to boost this process to improve health for those dealing with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11018500 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to cold temperatures can stimulate the production of beige fat cells, which help burn glucose and fatty acids to generate heat. It focuses on the decline in the ability to produce these beneficial cells as people age, particularly in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this decline and explore potential methods to rejuvenate the production of beige fat cells in older individuals, thereby improving their metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are experiencing obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients who are young and do not have obesity or metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance metabolic health and combat obesity in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding beige fat cell development, but this specific approach to rejuvenating beige fat in older adults is novel.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berry, Daniel Carl — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Berry, Daniel Carl
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.