Understanding how cell division affects fat cell creation
Official title: Cell cycle control of adipogenesis
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10923801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins can help create new fat cells instead of just making existing ones bigger, which could lead to better ways to manage obesity and improve health for those affected by it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $478,507 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131432-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923801 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults who are struggling with obesity or related metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or do not have metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process of adipogenesis, which is the formation of new fat cells, and how it can help mitigate the negative effects of obesity. The study focuses on the role of specific proteins, p21 and p27, that regulate the cell cycle and influence the number of fat cells produced. By manipulating these proteins in laboratory settings, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that promote the creation of new fat cells over the enlargement of existing ones. This could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and its related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that promote healthy fat cell development, potentially improving metabolic health in individuals with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating cell cycle regulators to enhance adipogenesis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teruel, Mary N — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Teruel, Mary N
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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.