Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center received a $771,701 Project Grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), with an award date of June 1, 2026, and completion date of April 30, 2030. This basic science research grant funds investigations into the metabolic role of beige adipocytes in whole-body energy expenditure and metabolic health. The research addresses a critical gap in understanding adipose tissue biology by utilizing novel genetic tools and mouse models to determine whether uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in subcutaneous white adipose tissue is necessary for beiging-induced energy expenditure and to investigate the creatine cycle's impact on whole-body metabolism.

The grant supports two specific research aims designed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the metabolic benefits of adipose tissue browning and identify the hierarchical importance of various beiging-induced adaptations. The project will generate new insights into the developmental and metabolic pathways controlling energy consumption in beige adipocytes, potentially identifying novel therapeutic targets and strategies for obesity treatment and prevention. Research activities will be performed at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, a leading nonprofit pediatric research institution with extensive expertise in metabolic disease research and federal grant administration.