Understanding how exercise signals improve health

A biochemical roadmap of exercise signal

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BROAD INSTITUTE, INC. · NIH-11163208

This research explores how exercise helps prevent and treat heart and metabolic conditions by looking at a special molecule called BAIBA.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBROAD INSTITUTE, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11163208 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

We know exercise is great for preventing and treating heart and metabolic diseases, but we don't fully understand all the ways it helps. Our team found a natural molecule called BAIBA that increases with exercise and appears to improve how the body handles sugar and manages weight in animal models. In people, higher levels of BAIBA in the blood are connected to a lower risk of metabolic problems. This work aims to create a detailed map of these exercise-related signals to uncover new ways to improve health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals interested in the mechanisms behind exercise's benefits, especially those with or at risk for cardiometabolic diseases.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to cardiometabolic health or exercise's metabolic effects may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or strategies that mimic the health benefits of exercise for conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the general benefits of exercise are well-known, this research explores novel molecular signals like BAIBA, building upon initial findings that show promise in animal models and human observations.

Where this research is happening

CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.