Understanding how fats affect muscle energy production

Mechanisms of lipid-induced bioenergetic stress in muscle

['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11117062

This project explores how certain fat molecules affect the energy factories in our muscles, which could impact heart and metabolic health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11117062 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project looks into how specific fat-related molecules, called acylcarnitines, build up in the body and are linked to heart and metabolic problems. Researchers believe this buildup points to a problem in how our muscle cells produce energy. They are using a special 'stress test' for mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells, to see how well they handle fats. By combining this test with detailed analysis of molecules, they hope to find weak spots in the energy production process. This work aims to uncover why some people's muscles struggle to use fats efficiently, leading to health issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients experiencing or at risk for cardiometabolic conditions, where issues with fat metabolism and mitochondrial function are suspected, could benefit from future treatments based on this work.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to fat metabolism or mitochondrial energy production may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and address metabolic issues and heart conditions by improving how our muscles use energy.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on fifteen years of the team's prior work and uses a newly developed diagnostic platform, suggesting a novel approach within an established field.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.