Understanding how fat breakdown affects aging and health
Official title: Perilipin 5: Linking lipid droplets to nutrient sensing and healthy aging
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11012348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called perilipin 5 helps connect the way our bodies break down fat with how we sense nutrients, which could affect how we age, and it aims to find out if understanding this can lead to better dietary tips for healthier aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $214,974 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AG070104-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012348 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in understanding how dietary fat and nutrient sensing affect aging and health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not concerned with aging-related health issues or those with metabolic disorders unrelated to fat metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called perilipin 5 in linking the breakdown of fat to nutrient sensing pathways that influence aging. The study focuses on how fat catabolism, particularly the degradation of stored fats, can impact cellular functions related to aging. By examining how perilipin 5 interacts with nutrient sensors in response to dietary changes, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could promote healthier aging. Patients may benefit from insights into dietary interventions that could enhance their healthspan.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary strategies that promote healthier aging and improve overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between fat metabolism and aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Najt, Charles P — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Najt, Charles P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
MyGoals for Healthy Aging among people at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia
A multi-center trial tests whether a combined program addressing poverty-related stress and executive function can slow aging and reduce risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease in adults.
-
Healthy aging in Black adults and its links to dementia risk
This grant follows a large group of Black adults to understand how aging, brain health, and life experiences influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
How early-life spending shape aging and dementia risk later in life
A Stanford-led study looks at how state and county spending in childhood may influence midlife thinking skills and the risk of dementia in later life.
-
Costa Rica long-lived older adults follow-up (Wave 4)
We will re-contact Costa Rican adults aged 70 and older (and their spouses) to collect health, thinking, and blood information to find what helps people live longer and stay mentally sharp.
-
Mapping tiny blood vessels in the brain's memory area and how they relate to Alzheimer's changes
Researchers are using ultra-high-resolution brain scans and tissue staining to map tiny blood vessels in the entorhinal cortex to learn how those patterns relate to Alzheimer's disease.
-
The chemical language of human gut bacteria and aging
A Duke University study will look at how healthy aging is linked to molecules produced by gut bacteria, with a focus on people who might be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
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.