Understanding how thermogenic fat helps regulate energy metabolism

Dissecting the thermogenic adipose niche

['FUNDING_R01'] · JOSLIN DIABETES CENTER · NIH-10916410

This study is looking at how a special type of fat called brown fat helps our bodies use energy and how it might be linked to conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart problems, with the hope that understanding this fat better could lead to new ways to improve health and fight obesity-related issues.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOSLIN DIABETES CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10916410 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of thermogenic adipose tissue, particularly brown fat, in regulating energy metabolism and its connection to metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. By analyzing the cellular makeup of this fat using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to uncover how these cells interact and adapt to environmental changes, such as temperature. The findings could provide insights into how enhancing thermogenic fat function might improve metabolic health and combat obesity-related diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk for or suffering from metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with metabolic diseases not related to adipose tissue dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating metabolic diseases by targeting thermogenic fat.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brown adipose tissue in metabolic health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.