Understanding How Fat Cells Store and Release Fat
Analysis of Lipolytic Trafficking in Adipocytes.
This research explores the tiny processes inside our fat cells that control how they store and use fat, which is important for conditions like obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11067738 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies' fat cells play a big role in health, and when they don't handle fat properly, it can lead to serious conditions. This project aims to uncover the exact steps that allow fat cells to store and release fat, focusing on a key protein called ABHD5. We want to understand how ABHD5 helps other enzymes access and break down fat within the cell. By using new tools and studying fat cells closely, we hope to reveal these fundamental mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not for direct patient participation but aims to benefit future patients dealing with obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, or cancer by improving our understanding of these conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not receive benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for medicines that help regulate fat metabolism, potentially leading to better treatments for obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and certain cancers.
How similar studies have performed: While the general area of lipid metabolism is well-studied, the specific mechanisms by which ABHD5 activates other enzymes remain an important mystery, making this a novel exploration.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Granneman, James G — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Granneman, James G
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.