Understanding how fat cells develop and affect metabolism
Official title: Pcpe2 in Adipose Tissue Expansion and Lipoprotein Metabolism
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11066541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells that turn into fat cells affect weight gain and diabetes, hoping to find ways to help people manage their weight and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $655,834 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139164-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are overweight or obese and at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are underweight or have no metabolic disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific precursor cells in the development of fat tissue and their impact on metabolism, particularly in relation to obesity and type 2 diabetes. By examining how these cells differentiate into mature fat cells and how they respond to dietary influences, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to healthier fat tissue expansion. The research employs advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing to analyze the behavior of these cells in response to high-fat diets. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for obesity-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating obesity and its associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding fat cell biology and its implications for metabolic health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sorci-Thomas, Mary G — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Sorci-Thomas, Mary G
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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.