Understanding how IGF2 affects fat cell development and growth
Official title: Defining the role of IGF2 in regulating adipocyte progenitor proliferation and adipogenesis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11093310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called IGF2 affects the growth of fat cells, aiming to understand how we can encourage healthy fat development instead of unhealthy fat buildup, which could help people with obesity improve their overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $51,884 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DK138641-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with obesity or metabolic disorders who are interested in understanding the biological mechanisms of fat cell development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of IGF2 in the growth and development of fat cells, particularly focusing on how it influences the proliferation of adipocyte progenitors and the process of adipogenesis. By utilizing advanced techniques like stable isotope tracing and quantitative mass spectrometry, the study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to healthy fat expansion versus unhealthy fat accumulation. The findings could provide insights into how to promote healthier fat growth, potentially improving metabolic health in individuals with obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and its related metabolic disorders by promoting healthier fat cell development.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding fat cell development, but this specific approach focusing on IGF2 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Ankit — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Ankit
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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.