Understanding how intermuscular fat affects muscle health and diabetes
Official title: Intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT): protagonist in sarcopenia and insulin resistance in humans
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10448489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific type of fat in our muscles might affect muscle strength and how our bodies use insulin, which could help find new ways to treat muscle loss and type 2 diabetes, and it may involve patients providing tissue samples or taking part in related tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $574,256 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK118149-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10448489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults experiencing muscle weakness or those at risk for type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing muscle-related issues or do not have risk factors for diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in contributing to muscle loss and insulin resistance. By analyzing the substances secreted by IMAT compared to other types of fat, the study aims to uncover how this fat impacts muscle strength and metabolic health. The research involves laboratory techniques to measure inflammation and muscle protein levels, which could lead to new treatments for conditions like sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes. Patients may be involved in providing tissue samples or participating in related assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve muscle health and insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and sarcopenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of different types of adipose tissue in metabolic health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bergman, Bryan C — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bergman, Bryan C
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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.