Vitamin A balance: how the body controls absorption and fat metabolism
Official title: Molecular factors controlling vitamin A uptake homeostasis
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11446182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the body tightly controls vitamin A uptake and fat metabolism by tracking key molecules that act in the gut and liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $551,915 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK144830-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with interest in nutrition, metabolism, or eye/immune-related vitamin A biology, including those with conditions affecting fat absorption or vitamin A metabolism who may benefit from future translational work.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without concerns about vitamin A metabolism are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic science study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and related proteins regulate the way our bodies absorb and process vitamin A from the diet. By using mouse models with specific gene changes, scientists aim to understand how DHRS3 and ISX influence postnatal vitamin A homeostasis and fat-soluble nutrient balance. The work will explore how these pathways affect conversion of beta-carotene to active retinoids and overall lipid metabolism, with potential implications for nutrition and eye- or immune-related health. The study combines genetic mouse models and careful measurement of vitamin A-related genes to map how disruptions might alter vitamin A levels and lipid handling. Findings could inform future strategies to optimize vitamin A status in humans, particularly in contexts of malabsorption or dietary changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of vitamin A regulation may lead to improved dietary guidance and potential therapies for people with vitamin A-related balance issues.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that retinoic acid pathways influence nutrient absorption and lipid metabolism in animal models, supporting further exploration in this area.
Where this research is happening
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Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Von Lintig, Johannes Friedrich — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Von Lintig, Johannes Friedrich
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.