Understanding how fat cells regulate heat production
Official title: Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of thermogenic adipocyte program
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11064827 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special fat cells help keep our body warm and burn energy, and it aims to find new ways to treat obesity and related health issues by understanding the genes that control these fat cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,295 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132469-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064827 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which certain fat cells, known as thermogenic adipocytes, help regulate body temperature and energy expenditure. It focuses on the genetic and epigenetic factors that control the function of these fat cells, particularly how they respond to hormonal signals. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, the study aims to uncover the underlying processes that could lead to new treatments for obesity and related metabolic diseases. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to therapies targeting fat metabolism and energy regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity and related metabolic disorders, improving health outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of thermogenic adipocytes in metabolism, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tseng, Yu-Hua — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Tseng, Yu-Hua
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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.