Project Grant R01DK146036

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases awarded Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc. $868,285 on August 26, 2026, under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847) to investigate the mechanistic role of brown fat-derived lipid mediators and their analogs in metabolic health.

The project, identified as R01DK146036, focuses on elucidating the signaling and molecular mechanisms through which the linoleic acid metabolite 12,13-DIHOME regulates metabolism and metabolic disorders. The research addresses how brown adipose tissue produces bioactive lipids in response to physiological stimuli such as cold exposure or exercise training, with particular emphasis on 12,13-DIHOME, which has demonstrated metabolic benefits including regulation of thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation, and improvements in cardiac and endothelial functions. In humans, circulating levels of 12,13-DIHOME are negatively correlated with BMI, circulating triglycerides, markers of hepatic damage, and heart disease incidence. The project includes a GPCR screen to identify the receptor for 12,13-DIHOME and supports development of molecular mimics to combat obesity-related metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Performance occurs in Boston, Massachusetts. The award period runs through June 30, 2031.