Understanding how cholesterol affects fat cells
Official title: A novel role of cholesterol and SR-BI in adipocyte biology
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10918250 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cholesterol from good sources affects fat cells in our bodies and whether our genes play a role in this process, which could help us understand obesity and related health issues better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $467,561 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK130961-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918250 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity or metabolic disorders who may have genetic factors influencing cholesterol and fat cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obesity or related metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of cholesterol and a specific receptor (SR-BI) in fat cells, which are crucial for energy storage in the body. The study aims to uncover how cholesterol from HDL influences fat accumulation in these cells and whether genetic factors affect this process in humans. By using advanced techniques like ATAC sequencing and mouse models, researchers will explore the mechanisms behind cholesterol regulation in fat cells. This could lead to insights into obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating obesity and metabolic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cholesterol in fat metabolism, but this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mineo, Chieko — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mineo, Chieko
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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.