Understanding how fat cells regulate energy use in the body
Official title: Regulation of Mitochondrial Remodeling in Adipose Thermogenesis
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10889271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called FAM210A in brown fat cells, which help burn energy and keep us warm, to see how it works in cold temperatures, and the results could help find new ways to treat obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $342,418 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136722-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, FAM210A, in brown fat cells, which are important for burning energy and regulating body temperature. By using advanced imaging techniques and genetically modified mice, the study aims to uncover how FAM210A influences the function of these cells, especially in response to cold temperatures. The findings could lead to new treatments for obesity and related conditions by enhancing our understanding of how fat cells can be manipulated to improve energy expenditure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brown fat in metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yue, Feng — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Yue, Feng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
-
Photobiomodulation for jaw pain from TMD
A clinician-scientist at the University of Florida is testing a light-based therapy to help adults with temporomandibular disorder pain feel better and jaw function improve.
-
How the brain controls swallowing and airway protection
A research team at the University of Florida is studying how brain networks control swallowing to reduce risk of choking and lung infections in people with neuromuscular diseases.
-
Donor-driven 3D organoid platform to study pancreatic cancer drug response
A pilot project to create patient-derived, 3D organoid models of pancreatic cancer to measure how tumors from different people respond to chemotherapy.
-
RAAS inhibitors and pancreatic cancer risk in diverse adults
A Florida-based study will look at whether commonly used blood pressure medicines (RAAS inhibitors) are linked to new cases of pancreatic cancer, especially among Black and Hispanic adults.
-
Pilot project exploring new cancer drugs for pancreatic cancer in African American patients
A small, early-stage project tests new drug-derived compounds to treat pancreatic cancer, focusing on African American patients who are disproportionately affected.
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.