Understanding how newborn fat cells help regulate body temperature and metabolism
Official title: Deciphering the physiology of neonatal beige adipocytes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11055308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special fat cells in babies that help burn energy and keep us warm, and it’s exploring how we can activate these cells in adults to help with obesity and other metabolic issues, which could lead to new treatments for people struggling with these conditions.
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 | March 13, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $470,918 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134581-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals with obesity or metabolic disorders, particularly those who are children or young adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or obesity may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique properties of beige adipocytes, a type of fat cell that helps burn energy and regulate body temperature. The study focuses on how these cells develop in newborns and how they can be activated in adults to potentially treat obesity and metabolic diseases. By examining the role of ketone bodies and specific proteins in the development and function of these cells, the research aims to fill gaps in our understanding of energy regulation. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for obesity and related metabolic diseases by harnessing the power of beige adipocytes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting beige adipocytes for metabolic disease treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramakrishnan, Sadeesh Kumar — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ramakrishnan, Sadeesh Kumar
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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.