Understanding how branched-chain amino acids affect metabolism and diabetes.
Official title: Quantifying Enteric Metabolism of Branched-chain Amino Acids in Relation to Other Dietary and Microbiota Nutrients
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11015048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain amino acids found in food can affect how our bodies process nutrients in the gut and how this might help us understand and manage obesity and diabetes better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DK132554-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity or adult-onset diabetes who are interested in understanding the metabolic effects of dietary components.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obesity or diabetes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the metabolism of nutrients in the intestine and their relationship to obesity and diabetes. It aims to explore how these amino acids, along with microbiota-produced nutrients, influence the secretion of hormones that regulate metabolism. By studying animal models, the research will analyze how BCAAs and other nutrients affect energy production and glucose metabolism in the intestines, which could lead to new insights into managing obesity and diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for obesity and diabetes by enhancing our understanding of nutrient metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the metabolic roles of nutrients, but this specific focus on BCAAs and intestinal metabolism is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williamson, Ian Andrew — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Williamson, Ian Andrew
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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.