Understanding how lysosomes help fat cells release energy
Official title: Defining the molecular regulation and physiological role of a novel lysosomal mechanism of adipocyte lipolysis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11189728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny parts of our cells called lysosomes help fat cells break down fat for energy when we don’t eat, and it hopes to find new ways to improve fat metabolism that could help people dealing with obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $541,806 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137913-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11189728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders, particularly those with impaired fat metabolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to fat metabolism or obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lysosomes in the process by which fat cells, or adipocytes, release energy during fasting. It aims to uncover how these cellular structures contribute to lipolysis, the breakdown of fats, particularly when traditional pathways are impaired. By studying the molecular mechanisms involved, the research seeks to identify new ways to enhance fat metabolism and address issues related to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel treatments for conditions linked to fat metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing obesity and related metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism, but this specific focus on lysosomal mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steinhauser, Matthew — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Steinhauser, Matthew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.