Understanding how fat cells grow and contribute to obesity
Ciliary signaling mechanisms regulating white adipose tissue expansion
This project explores how tiny "antenna-like" structures on our fat cells influence weight gain and conditions like diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125907 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies store extra energy in white fat tissue, which can expand in two ways: by existing fat cells getting bigger or by creating new ones. When existing fat cells get too large, it can lead to health problems like insulin resistance. This research focuses on tiny structures called primary cilia on pre-fat cells, which seem to guide how new fat cells are formed. We've noticed that pre-fat cells from obese individuals have fewer and shorter cilia, suggesting a link to unhealthy fat expansion. We want to understand how obesity changes these cilia and their signals, hoping to find ways to promote healthier fat growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding cell mechanisms, but future clinical applications may target adults experiencing obesity or those at risk for adult-onset diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing obesity or related metabolic conditions would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat obesity and related conditions like type 2 diabetes by promoting healthier fat tissue development.
How similar studies have performed: The discovery of primary cilia's role in adipogenesis is a recent finding, making this a novel and foundational area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilgendorf, Keren — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Hilgendorf, Keren
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 below.