Understanding how cells communicate under stress from diet and temperature
Official title: Mechanisms of mitochondrial-ER communication during dietary and thermal induced stress
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10877848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two parts of our cells work together to handle stress from things like diet and temperature changes, especially in fat-burning cells, to find new ways to help people with obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $90,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DK133502-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders, particularly those at risk for type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how communication between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum in cells helps manage stress caused by diet and temperature changes. By focusing on brown adipocytes, which are important for burning fat and regulating blood sugar, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that support cellular function during obesity. The researchers will use specific mouse models to explore how a high-fat diet affects these cellular processes, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes by enhancing the function of brown adipose tissue.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function and its role in metabolic diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Latorre Muro, Pedro Antonio — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Latorre Muro, Pedro Antonio
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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.