Understanding how fat cells manage body inflammation and insulin sensitivity
Adipocyte cytokine signaling as a coordinator of adipose tissue function
['FUNDING_R01'] · LSU PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CTR · NIH-11135307
This project explores how fat cells communicate to control inflammation and insulin sensitivity, especially in people with obesity.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | LSU PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11135307 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Obesity often involves inflammation in fat tissue, which can lead to problems like insulin resistance. We are looking at a specific signal, oncostatin M (OSM), made by immune cells within fat. Our previous work suggests that when fat cells don't properly receive this OSM signal, it can cause inflammation and make the body less responsive to insulin. This project aims to uncover how fat cells themselves help manage inflammation and insulin sensitivity by controlling these signals. We will investigate how fat cells use OSM to balance energy, how continuous exposure to OSM might lead to insulin resistance, and how other signals contribute to fat tissue inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work could eventually help individuals living with obesity or those at risk for insulin resistance.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options for their condition may not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational work could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat obesity-related inflammation and insulin resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings from our team support the core ideas of this project, but the specific mechanisms being explored are novel.
Where this research is happening
BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES
- LSU PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CTR — BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ELKS, CARRIE M — LSU PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CTR
- Study coordinator: ELKS, CARRIE M
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.