Understanding human metabolic types
"Defining the Human Metabotype" [Human metabolic status defined through genetic, diet,environmental exposure and exercise perturbations]
This project aims to map patterns of metabolites in people’s samples to define distinct metabolic “types” linked to diet, exercise, and environmental exposures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193986 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I take part or donate data, researchers will combine metabolomics measurements from large NIH projects that collected blood and tissue samples before and after diet, exercise, or exposure changes. They will harmonize those datasets in the Metabolomics Workbench and use analytics to group people into shared metabolic profiles called “metabotypes.” The team compares how these metabotypes change with specific diets, physical activity, or environmental exposures to find patterns that repeat across many people. Results will come from analysis of existing human cohort data and contributed biospecimens.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have participated in or could join studies that collect blood or tissue samples and detailed diet/exercise/exposure information, including those with metabolic conditions like obesity or diabetes as well as healthy volunteers.
Not a fit: People whose health concerns are unrelated to metabolism or who cannot provide biospecimens or lifestyle information are less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help tailor diet, exercise, and exposure-related recommendations to people’s metabolic profile.
How similar studies have performed: Large NIH efforts have already measured thousands of metabolites in people, but using those data to define clinically useful “metabotypes” is a newer approach that is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subramaniam, Shankar — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Subramaniam, Shankar
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 below.