Understanding how lipotoxicity affects metabolic health and diabetes complications
Official title: Lipotoxicity and Maintenance of Metabolic Health
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11085238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny molecules called snoRNAs might help protect against damage from fatty foods, which can lead to problems like fatty liver disease in people with type 2 diabetes, using mice to see what happens when these snoRNAs are missing.
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 | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $594,765 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137511-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing complications related to type 2 diabetes or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have type 2 diabetes or related metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in protecting against lipotoxicity, which is a significant factor in complications related to type 2 diabetes, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By using a mouse model, the study aims to explore how the absence of specific snoRNAs can prevent tissue damage caused by high-fat diets. The research will also examine the connections between snoRNA levels, mRNA translation, and dietary influences, potentially leading to new treatment strategies for metabolic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating metabolic diseases and improving health outcomes for patients with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of snoRNAs in cellular processes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaffer, Jean E. — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Schaffer, Jean E.
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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.