Using beige fat to enhance recovery after shoulder surgery

Utilizing beige fat to improve muscle function after rotator cuff repair

NIH-funded research Northern California Institute/res/edu · NIH-10447005

This study is looking at how a special kind of fat called beige fat can help your muscles heal better after rotator cuff surgery, using unique cells that might turn muscle into this helpful fat, and it involves both animal tests and human tissue to see how this could improve recovery for people like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthern California Institute/res/edu NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10447005 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how a specific type of fat, known as beige fat, can improve muscle function following rotator cuff repair surgery. The study focuses on a unique population of stem cells called fibro/adipocyte progenitor (FAP) cells, which may help convert muscle tissue into beige fat, potentially enhancing recovery. By using both animal models and human tissue, the research aims to understand the mechanisms behind this process and how it can be applied to improve surgical outcomes for patients with rotator cuff injuries.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those over 65, who have rotator cuff tears or are at risk of developing them.

Not a fit: Patients with minor rotator cuff injuries that do not require surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and muscle function for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of utilizing beige fat in this context is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding the role of fat in muscle recovery.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.