# A validated mouse model of brown fat targeting

> **NIH NIH R21** · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · 2024 · $240,750

## Abstract

Abstract/Project Summary
Mice and human physiology are deeply affected by brown fat through its control of metabolic homeostasis and
production of signaling molecules. As such, brown fat specific genetic modifications in mice have arisen as a
truly relevant tool to understand brown fat role in controlling physiology with applications in an array of organ
systems. For this, Cre-recombinase drivers under control of the UCP1 promoter have been used. In this proposal,
we show that the most commonly used mouse model of brown fat targeting is the source of some previously
unnoticed negative effects. Thus, our preliminary data supports an unmet critical need to generate a new mouse
model to target mature brown adipocytes in an efficient and safe manner. For these reasons, the main goals of
this application are to generate (Aim 1), validate (Aim 2) and make widely available (Aim 3) a new model of
brown fat targeting. For this, we will use an innovative but validated CRISPR/Cas9 targeting technique to insert
Cre-recombinase driven by a defined ucp1 promoter into a safe harbor location. Next, we will use Cre-mediated
lineage tracing techniques to address its cellular specificity. Due to the broad interest in brown fat biology, this
mouse model is anticipated to be broadly used by scientists in an array of fields of interest to multiple NIH
institutes. This new mouse model of brown fat targeting is expected to have a positive impact as a step forward
towards developing better preclinical mouse models. We will make our new model available to the community
through a mouse repository. For these reasons, this proposal is directed to the FOA PAR-21-167, “Development
of Animal Models and Related Materials for Research”.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10809155
- **Project number:** 1R21OD034470-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Juan Sanchez-Gurmaches
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $240,750
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10809155

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10809155, A validated mouse model of brown fat targeting (1R21OD034470-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10809155. Licensed CC0.

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