Understanding how beige fat cells change in response to temperature and nutrients
Official title: Regulation of beige adipocyte plasticity in inguinal white adipose tissue.
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11046636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain fat cells in our bodies can change their activity based on things like temperature and what we eat, with the goal of finding new ways to help people with obesity and metabolic issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | March 21, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $557,175 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134490-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are interested in metabolic health and obesity management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how beige adipocytes, a type of fat cell, can switch between active and inactive states based on environmental changes, such as temperature and nutrient levels. The study will explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate this plasticity, focusing on specific gene networks and the role of the extracellular matrix. By examining these processes in both animal models and humans, the research aims to identify potential new treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for obesity and related metabolic conditions by targeting the mechanisms that control fat cell behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding beige adipocyte function and its implications for metabolic health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Biao — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wang, Biao
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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.