Understanding how cell parts called primary cilia contribute to human metabolic conditions like adult-onset diabetes
Official title: Deciphering the lipid composition of primary cilia in human metabolic disease
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11171429 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how tiny cell structures called primary cilia, and the fats within them, influence signals that are important for conditions like adult-onset diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $387,207 |
| NIH project number | 5DP5OD036155-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11171429 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who are affected by or at risk for adult-onset diabetes mellitus and related metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not affected by metabolic diseases or adult-onset diabetes are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Our cells have tiny antennae-like structures called primary cilia, which are crucial for our health. These cilia contain special receptors that pick up signals from outside the cell, influencing important body processes like feeling full, releasing insulin, and forming fat cells. When these signals don't work correctly, it can lead to metabolic conditions such as adult-onset diabetes. This project aims to understand how the fats within these primary cilia control these important signals, which could help us learn more about obesity and related health concerns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to target and improve the signaling pathways involved in metabolic diseases, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions like adult-onset diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of primary cilia in metabolism is known, this project uses newly developed tools to specifically investigate the role of lipids within cilia, representing a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kinnebrew, Maia — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kinnebrew, Maia
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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.