Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded The Washington University a Project Grant of $610,628 under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847) on May 15, 2026, with a completion date of January 31, 2031. The research project investigates phosphatidylserine (PS) as a signaling molecule during cellular differentiation, with a focus on understanding how PS exposure on live preadipocytes influences adipocyte differentiation and its potential implications for obesity. The research will employ a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies to examine the role of the scramblase TMEM16F (encoded by ANO6) in regulating PS exposure, with particular attention to how alterations in ANO6 expression relate to human obesity.

Through this award, The Washington University's Office of Sponsored Research Services will conduct investigator-initiated biomedical research aimed at elucidating disease mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets related to metabolic dysfunction and obesity. The project represents the type of fundamental and translational research supported by NIDDK to advance understanding of metabolic disorders and contribute to improved prevention and treatment approaches.