Understanding how the body uses fuel during cold exposure
Official title: Comprehensive quantification of fuel use in cold-induced thermogenesis in vivo
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11059057 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our bodies use different types of fuel, like fats and sugars, to stay warm when it's cold, and it's being done with mice to help us understand how this could lead to new ways to treat obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $572,297 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135958-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059057 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who may be struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different fuels are utilized by the body during cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT), a process that helps maintain body temperature in cold environments. By studying mice, the researchers will measure how various fuels, particularly fats and carbohydrates, contribute to energy production in different tissues during cold exposure. The methodology includes using heavy isotope-labeled fuels to track metabolic processes in real-time, providing insights into how the body manages energy under stress. This knowledge could lead to new treatments for obesity by activating CIT through pharmaceutical means.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for obesity by enhancing the body's ability to burn fat through cold exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cold-induced thermogenesis, but this comprehensive approach to quantifying fuel use is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arany, Zoltan P — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Arany, Zoltan P
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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.