Understanding how cells recycle fats for energy and function
Official title: Mechanisms and functions of lipid recycling for cellular metabolism
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11019183 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our cells handle and recycle fats, which are important for keeping our bodies healthy, by focusing on tiny fat storage bubbles called lipid droplets and how they break down to release fats when needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $422,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156863-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019183 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to lipid metabolism or cellular energy regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells manage and recycle fatty acids, which are essential for various cellular functions. It focuses on lipid droplets, which store fats and help regulate their levels to prevent toxicity. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind lipophagy, a process that breaks down these lipid droplets to release fatty acids when needed. By exploring how lipids are transported within cells and their roles in health and disease, this research could provide insights into metabolic regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing metabolic disorders and diseases linked to lipid metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism, but this specific focus on lipophagy and inter-organelle lipid trafficking is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Jeeyun — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Chung, Jeeyun
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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.