Understanding how skin fat develops and functions
Official title: Developmental origins of dermal adipose tissue
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11258438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the fat just under your skin to understand how it forms and affects weight gain, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $121,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK139097-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11258438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are experiencing obesity or related metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the origins and characteristics of dermal adipose tissue, which is the fat located just beneath the skin. By examining how this type of fat develops and its role in metabolism, the research aims to uncover why some individuals gain weight and develop obesity-related conditions. The study will utilize advanced techniques to analyze adipocyte progenitor cells and their behavior in different metabolic states. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating obesity and its associated health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding adipose tissue dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merrick, David Michael — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Merrick, David Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.