# An Obesity-Induced Kinase that Regulates Adipose Homeostasis and Metabolic Diseases

> **NIH NIH R01** · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · 2020 · $420,175

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have become national and global epidemics. The rising
prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased the burden of dyslipidemia, specific types of cancer,
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, T2DM and cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of mortality in the
country. Recent studies have highlighted the intimate links between metabolic diseases and adipose tissue
inflammation. Adipose inflammation plays an integral role in the development of metabolic syndrome.
Adipose-immune interactions can have both positive and negative effects on adipose tissue homeostasis
and whole body metabolism. What initiates adipocyte dysfunction and the inflammatory processes in
obesity remain an enigma. This research proposal seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms that
underlie adipocyte dysfunction and adipose inflammation. We identify fam20c as a novel regulator of
adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. Obesity induces expression of fam20c in adipocytes.
Conversely, ablation of fam20c in adipocytes ameliorates hyperglycemia. In this proposal, we seek to
assess the mechanistic links between insulin resistance and inflammation. We will pursue the following
specific aims: 1. Determine the physiological and cellular mechanisms by fam20c regulates energy balance,
glucose homeostasis and adipose tissue inflammation. 2. Dissect the molecular mechanism of action of the
fam20c kinase in regulating inflammatory gene expression and insulin resistance. 3. We will test the
hypothesis that adipose-specific ablation of fam20c can reverse established T2DM. The overall goal of
these studies will shed light on how therapies directed against fam20c can be used to restore metabolic
health in patients with T2DM.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9997916
- **Project number:** 5R01DK121844-02
- **Recipient organization:** WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- **Principal Investigator:** James C Lo
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $420,175
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-16 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9997916

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9997916, An Obesity-Induced Kinase that Regulates Adipose Homeostasis and Metabolic Diseases (5R01DK121844-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9997916. Licensed CC0.

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