Understanding how beige fat cells can help manage obesity and diabetes

Regulation of beige adipocyte maintenance and its impact on metabolic outcomes

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11047669

This study is looking at how a special type of fat cell that helps burn energy instead of storing it can help fight obesity and diabetes, especially in older people, and aims to find ways to keep these helpful cells around longer for better health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11047669 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of beige adipocytes, a type of fat cell that burns energy instead of storing it, in combating obesity and diabetes. The study aims to understand how these cells can be maintained over time, especially in older individuals, and whether they can improve metabolic health. By using specialized mouse models, researchers will explore pharmacological and genetic methods to induce and sustain these beneficial fat cells. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies that leverage beige adipocytes to enhance metabolic outcomes in patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or diabetes, particularly those who are older and may benefit from improved metabolic health.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to obesity or metabolic diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help manage obesity and diabetes more effectively.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using beige adipocytes for metabolic health, suggesting that this approach could be a viable therapeutic strategy.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.