Understanding how fat cells regulate energy use
Official title: Translational regulation of PGC1alpha and oxidative metabolism
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11136632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain fat cells help our bodies burn energy, which could lead to new ways to treat obesity and related health issues, by focusing on a specific molecule that plays a key role in how these cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DK125722-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obesity or related metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific fat cells, known as thermogenic adipocytes, manage energy expenditure to potentially treat obesity and related metabolic diseases. It focuses on the role of a particular mRNA, PPARGC1A, which is crucial for mitochondrial function, and explores how its translation is controlled in these cells. The study employs various methodologies, including protein purification and advanced ribosome profiling, to uncover the mechanisms behind fat cell metabolism. By understanding these processes, the research aims to identify new ways to enhance energy expenditure in fat cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for obesity and diabetes by improving how fat cells burn energy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in manipulating fat cell metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dumesic, Phillip Anthony — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Dumesic, Phillip Anthony
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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.