Pilot and Feasibility Investigators
| Investigator | Project Dates | Pilot and Feasibility Project Title |
| Stuart Chipkin | 1992-1993 | Obesity and insulin resistance in adipose |
| Nawfal Istfan, MD, PhD | 1992-1993 | Nutrient partitioning and insulin resistance in obesity |
| Kathleen Kelly | 1992-1994 | Signal transduction in adipocytes |
| Donald Miller | 1992-1994 | Long term health impact of body weight change |
| Aviva Must, PhD | 1992-1993 | Jump start: a program to prevent obesity in low income children and families |
| Susan Roberts, PhD | 1992-1994 | Dietary fat-genotype interactions in energy balance |
| Van Cherington | 1993-1995 | Non-receptor tyrosine kinase activity during adipose differentiation |
| Bradford Lowell, PhD | 1993-1995 | Targeted disruption of the Beta3-andrenergic receptor gene |
| Avron Spiro III, PhD | 1993-1995 | Health effects of weight changes in adult males |
| Karen Strehlow | 1993-1994 | Sympathetic function in obesity |
| Vildan Civelek, PhD | 1994-1996 | Mechanism of intracellular pH change as indicator of early postreceptor insulin signaling |
| Kathleen Cook | 1994-1996 | Developmental and physiological mechanisms for regulation of mRNA stability in adipocytes |
| Robert Frederich | 1994-1996 | Initial characterization, physiology and pathology of the ob/ob gene product |
| Andrew Greenberg, MD | 1994-1996 | Molecular and nutritional regulation of the perilipins |
| Eleftheria Maratos-Flier | 1994-1996 | Identification of novel hypothalamic genes that are differentially regulated in rodent obesity |
| Jacqueline Stephens | 1994-1995 | The identification of cytosolic kinases involved in the signal transduction of TNF-induced insulin resistance in murine adipocytes |
| Steven Grinspoon | 1995-1997 | Physiologic effects of IGF-1 in anorexia nervosa |
| James Hamilton, PhD | 1995-1997 | Fatty acid incorporation into adipocytes: nuclear magnetic resonance studies |
| Konstantin Kandror, PhD | 1995-1997 | GLUT4-containing vesicles: new proteins-new functions? |
| James Kirkland, MD, PhD | 1995-1997 | Effects of aging on rat preadipocyte function |
| Vedrana Susulic | 1995-1996 | Identification of nutritionally responsive cis-regulatory elements within the obese gene |
| Jesse C. Chow, PhD | 1996-1997 | Leptin receptor signaling in normal rats in vivo |
| Mary-Elizabeth Patti, MD | 1996-1997 | Role of amino acids in the induction of cellular insulin resistance |
| Evan Dale Abel, MD, PhD | 1996-1998 | Analysis of the impact of adipose tissue glucose transport on body weight, nutrient partitioning and glucose tolerance |
| Anthony Hollenberg, MD | 1996-1998 | Functional antagonism between C/EBP and PPAR on the leptin promoter |
| Wen Guo, PhD | 1997-1999 | Effects of Exogenous Lipids on Fat Cell Metabolism |
| Jim Xiao, PhD | 1997-1999 | Role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in differentiation of preadipocytes with aging |
| Rupert Yip, PhD | 1997-1999 | The role of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide in fat metabolism |
| Zhijun Luo, PhD | 1998-2000 | Role of MAPK family downstream of TNFa-receptor in insulin resistance |
| Christos Mantzoros, MD | 1998-2000 | Role of leptin in the neuroendocrine response to fasting |
| Megan McCrory, PhD | 1998-2000 | Evaluation of the BOD POD air displacement plethysmograph for measuring body composition of obese and elderly subjects |
| Ron Morrison, PhD | 1998-2000 | Molecular mechanisms contributing to the balance of adipocyte growth and differentiation |
| Edward Saltzman, MD | 1998-2002 | Feasibility of low and moderate intensity interventions to prevent weight gain in adults |
| Dr. Antonio Vidal-Puig | 1998-2000 | Functional characterization of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) using adenoviral mediated gene transfer |
| Dr. S. Bryn Austin | 1999-2002 | Assessment of environmental influences on diet, dieting, and physical activity in middle schools: A pilot instrument development project |
| Young-Bum Kim, PhD | 1999-2001 | Signaling pathways mediating the effects of leptin on fat metabolism in muscle and adipose tissue |
| Tatyana Kupriyanova, PhD | 1999-2001 | Isolation and identification of novel proteins in Glut4-vesicles |
| David Ludwig, MD | 1999-2001 | Dietary glycemic index and diabetes |
| Karen Miller, MD | 1999-2001 | Effects of dietary fat on leptin and menstrual function |
| Eric Rimm, ScD | 1999-2002 | Effects of dietary and lifestyle characteristics on soluble tumor necrosis factor-receptors (sTNF-R) and IL-6 concentrations |
| Nicholas Tritos, MD, DSc | 1999-2001 | Characterization of the role of melanin concentrating hormone in glucose homeostasis employing a knockout and a transgenic model |
| Jude Deeney, PhD | 2001-2003 | Lipid distribution in clonal pancreatic beta-cells studied with fluorescent fatty acids |
| Deborah Good, PhD | 2001-2003 | Gene regulatory events mediating adult body weight control |
| Jianrong Han | 2002-2004 | A new mechanism for adipocyte hyperplasia: fatty acids stimulates preadipocyte proliferation |
| Lora Heisler, PhD | 2001-2003 | Central melanocortin and serotonergic systems: potential target pathways for obesity |
| Frank Hu, MD, MPH, PhD | 2001-2003 | Longitudinal analysis of dietary factors and childhood obesity in China |
| Jeffrey Lemmer | 2001-2002 | Effect of sarcopenia on body composition and energy expenditure response to progressive resistance training |
| Christina Wee, MD, MPH | 2001-2003 | Quantifying how much patients value weight loss |
| Janice Zabolotny, PhD | 2001-2003 | Role of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in leptin and insulin action in hypothalamus |
| Hui Hong Zhang, PhD | 2003-2005 | The domains and mechanisms by which perilipin A modulate lipase actions on lipolysis |
| Dr. Nina Balthasar | 2003-2005 | Assessing the physiological function of melanocortin-4-receptors (MC4R) in specific brain areas using a re-activatable MC4R null allele |
| Simin Liu, MD, ScD | 2003-2005 | Glycemic load, insulin sensitivity and plasma inflammatory markers in Type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, controlled, crossover trial |
| Carine Lenders, MD, MS, ScD | 2003-2005 | A multicenter randomized, placebo controlled, double blind trial of metformin in obese adolescents: characterization of amino acids |
| Iphigenia Tzameli, PhD | 2003-2005 | Identification of endogenous PPARg ligands during an early phase of adipocyte differentiation |
| Kendra Bence, PhD | 2003-2005 | Role of tyrosine phosphates in CNS control of energy balance |
| Harveen Dhillon, PhD | 2004-2006 | VMH: A critical site in BW regulation of leptin |
| Adam Kennedy, PhD | 2004-2006 | The molecular mechanism of ketogenic diet in the treatment of obesity |
| Lori Pbert, PhD | 2004-2006 | Feasibility and structure of a systems-based intervention to prevent and treat obesity |
| Pavlos Pissios, PhD | 2004-2006 | Generation of conditionally immortalized cell lines expressing melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) |
| Diane Song, PhD | 2004-2006 | Characterization of GIP signaling in adipocytes |
| Gordon Yaney, PhD | 2004-2005 | Beta-cell hypersecretion seen in obesity: Alteration of the fatty acid incretin effect? |
| Jeffrey Zigman, MD, PhD | 2004-2006 | Selective expression of the ghrelin receptor (GHSR) within the arcuate nucleus |
| R. Wesley Farris II, MD | 2005-2007 | The Role of Insulin-Degrading Enzyme in Obesity and Metabolism |
| Erin Kershaw, MD | 2005-2007 | Regulation of Adipose Triglyceride Lipase (ATGL) by Insulin, TNF alpha, and PPAR gamma |
| Keith Tornheim, PhD | 2005-2007 | Phosphofructokinase-M and adipose mass |
| Yu-Hua Tseng, PhD | 2005-2007 | Role of BMPs on determination of brown vs. white adipocyte differentiation |
| Ouliana Ziouzenkova, PhD | 2005-2007 | Studies on Retinaldehyde Functions in Adipogenesis |
| Caroline M. Apovian, MD | 2006-2008 | Use of MCT Oil for Enhancement of Weight Loss and Glycemic Control in Obese Diabetic Patients |
| Michael Badman, MD, PhD | 2006-2009 | Determination of the physiological role and Metabolic Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 |
| Katherine Strissel, PhD | 2006-2008 | Do infiltrating macrophages have a role in adipose tissue remodeling in obesity? |
| Rob M. van Dam, PhD | 2006-2009 | Effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on body weight and glucose tolerance |
| Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD, PhD | 2007-2009 | Modulation of the dorsolateral prefontal cortex with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in obesity |
| Bruce Bailey, PhD | 2007-2009 | The influence of active gaming on energy expenditure and time spent in moderate to vigorous activity in overweight adolescents |
| Jamie Bodenlos, PhD | 2007-2008 | Effect of acute VNS on consumption and preferences for sweets in depressed adults |
| Jody Dushay, MD | 2007-2009 | Potential regulation of FGF-21 by fasting and diet-induced ketosis in healthy adults |
| Efi Kokkotou, MD, PhD, DSC | 2007-2009 | Mechanisms of substance P effects on metabolism |
| Madhusmita Misra, MD, MPH | 2007-2010 | Neuroendocrine modulation of metabolic effects in overweight adolescent girls |
| Sherry Pagoto, PhD | 2007-2009 | The role of stress in insulin resistance following bariatric surgery |
| Libin Liu, PhD | 2007-2009 | The Role of Cavin/PTRF in Caveolae |
| Lu Qi, MD, PhD | 2007-2009 | Genome-Wide Association Based Scan for Abdominal Obesity Genes in Humans |
| Nicholas Stylopoulos, MD | 2008-2009 | Effects of Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass on Diet Induced Thermogenesis in Mice |
| Qingchun Tong, PhD | 2007-2009 | To Determine the Function of GABA Release from Agrp Neurons |
| Aaron Cypess, MD, PhD | 2008-2009 | Characterizing murine and human brown adipose tissue via PET/CT |
| Giulio Romeo, MD | 2008-2009 | Effects of profilin-1 in diet-induced obesity and adipose inflammation correlation with vascular outcomes |
| Jess Haines, PhD, MHSc, RD | 2008-2009 | Maternal influences on adolescent weight and weight-related behaviors |
| Mark Herman, MD | 2008-2009 | The role of adipose tissue carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) in adipose tissue glucose metabolism and glucose homeostasis |
| Jongsoon Lee, PhD | 2008-2009 | The role of circulating monocytes in the development of obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance |
| Yiqing Song, MD, ScD | 2008-2009 | Interrelationship of circulating levels of vitamin D, adiposity, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women |
| Qi Sun, MD, ScD | 2008-2009 | Obesity, physical activity, and successful aging |
| Thien Tran, PhD | 2008-2009 | Identification of novel secretory proteins from subcutaneous fat that improve metabolism |
| Raphael Zoeller, PhD | 2008-2009 | Use of a lipogenic mutant to investigate a novel link between carbohydrate and lipid metabolism |
| Hideo Makimura, MD, PhD | 2010-2012 | The Effects of a Novel GH Releasing Factor on Mitochondrial Function |
| Vishwajeet Puri, PhD | 2010-2012 | Role of FSP27 in fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity |
| Lisa Quintiliani, PhD, RD | 2010-2012 | A computer-based cue system for motivational interviewing counseling |
| Vetrivelan Ramalingam, PhD | 2010-2012 | Sleep loss and circadian dysregulation – important risk factors for obesity and diabetes mellitus |
| Zhao Xu, PhD | 2010-2012 | The role of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) in adipogenesis |
| Sudha Biddinger, MD, PhD | 2011-2012 | Novel mechanisms by which insulin regulates the LDL receptor |
| Nicolas M. Oreskovic, MD, MPH | 2011-2013 | Use of GPS to Map Racial Variations in Adolescent Use of Space for Physical Activity |
| Linh Vong, PhD | 2011-2012 | Leptin Action on GABAergic Neurons |
| Heather J. Baer, ScD | 2011-2013 | Development of Tools within Electronic Health Records to Address Overweight and Obesity |
| Barbara Nikolajczyk, PhD | 2011-2013 | The Role of T cells in the Transition to Type 2 Diabetes |
| Elaine W. Yu, MD | 2011-2013 | Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Bone Health |
| Katya Ravid, DSc, PhD | 2011-2013 | The A2b adenosine receptor as regulator of type II diabetes |
| Fang Fang Zhang, MD, PhD | 2011-2013 | Obesity Among ALL Survivors: Preliminary Investigation of Diet and Energy Balance |
| Qin Yang, MD, PhD | 2011-2013 | Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) in obesity and insulin resistance |
| Dong Kong, PhD | 2012-2014 | Ghrelin, Dendritic Spines, and Synaptic Regulation of AgRP Neurons |
| Matthew Layne, PhD | 2012-2014 | Role of ACLP in adipocyte determination and fibrosis |
| Tamar Rose Aprahamian, PhD | 2012-2014 | Angiogenic potential and thermogenic response of brown adipose tissue |
| Miguel Alonso-Alonso, MD, MPhil | 2012-2015 | Neuroband: The effect of perioperative enhancement of the brain circuit of inhibitory control in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding |
| Valentina Perissi, PhD | 2012-2014 | Ubiquitin regulation of PPARgamma-mediated transcription |
| Elizabeth A. Lawson, MD | 2012-2015 | The effect of intranasal oxytocin on caloric intake in obese men |
| Mark Andermann, PhD | 2013-2015 | Effects of ghrelin receptor expression in cognitive brain areas on attention to food-associated cues |
| Marc Liesa-Roig, PhD | 2013-2015 | A novel antioxidant pathway in beta cell function and dysfunction |
| John C. Yoon, MD, PhD | 2013-2015 | Effects of inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway on diet-induced myosteatosis |
| Sara Folta, PhD | 2013-2015 | Preliminary Investigation of Civic Engagement as a Novel Approach to Behavior Change and Body Weight Improvement in African American Females |
| Kristy Townsend, PhD | 2013-2015 | Novel Role for Hemojuvelin in Brown Adipocyte Energy Expenditure |
| Peter J. Turnbaugh, PhD | 2013-2014 | Gut microbial promotion of energy gain from processed diets |
| Xaralabos Varelas, PhD | 2013-2015 | Roles of the Hippo pathway effectors Taz/Yap in mesenchymal stem cell fate specification |
| Gulcin Pekkurnaz, PhD | 2014-2016 | O-GlcNAcylation: A Glucose Sensing Pathway for Mitochondria and Energy Homeostasis |
| Ying Bao, MD, ScD | 2014-2016 | Nut consumption, adiposity signals, and cardiometabolic risk |
| Xinghui Sun, PhD | 2014-2016 | MicroRNA-181b, insulin resistance, and vascular injury |
| Maria Dafne Cardamone, PhD | 2015-2017 | Role of NEURL4 in the regulation of Mitochondrial Function |
| Peter James, ScD | 2015-2019 | Integrating mHealth Approaches to Assess Contextual Exposures, Physical Activity, Sleep, and Obesity in a Prospective Cohort Study |
| Elvira Isganaitis, MD, MPH | 2015-2017 | Mesenchymal stem cell fate and adipocyte function in mother-to-child transmission of obesity risk |
| John N. Campbell, PhD | 2017-2018 | Novel arcuate neuron types that relay leptin signaling to the melanocortin satiety circuit |
| Sylvia Ley, PhD, RD | 2017 | Anti-inflammatory diet and gene expression on type 2 diabetes progression in overweight/obese adult |
| Xuehong Zhang, MD, ScD | 2017-2018 | Characterizing the Role of Obesity in Bladder Cancer Progression in Two Large Prospective Cohorts |
| Amar Dhand, MD DPhil | 2018-2019 | Study of social networks and their inter-relations with diet, physical activity, and obesity |
| Laura E. Dichtel, MD, MHS | 2018-2019 | The Growth Hormone and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Axis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis |
| Jennifer Lee, PhD | 2018-2019 | Molecular Basis for Enteroendocrine Cell Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes |
| Tracey Simon, MD | 2018-2019 | Insulinogenic and Inflammatory Dietary Factors and Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma |
| Yoav Livneh, PhD | 2018-2020 | Convergent and divergent coding in insular cortex and amygdala across hunger and thirst |
| Hyun Cheol Roh, PhD | 2018-2019 | Epigenetic mechanisms that control adipocyte cellular identity during obesity |
| Linus Tsai MD, PhD | 2018-2020 | Role of Pars Tuberalis in Energy Homeostasis |
| Franziska Plessow, PhD | 2019-2021 | Sustained oxytocin administration, cognitive control, and reward responsiveness in human obesity |
| Jun Li, MD PhD | 2018-2021 | Chronic Inflammation and Obesity: Genetic Susceptibility and the Role of Diet |
| Melanie Schorr Haines, MD | 2019-2021 | Effects of exercise on circulating myokine levels in insulin-resistant vs insulin-sensitive adults with overweight/obesity |
| Sarah Lessard, PhD | 2019-2021 | Impact of Western Diet on the molecular and physiological response to exercise |
| Dong Wang, MB, MS, ScD | 2019-2021 | Mediterranean Diet, Gut Microbiome and Cardiac Structure and Function |
| Hassan Dashti, PhD, RD | 2021 | Phenome-wide interactions between obesity genetic risk and lifestyle traits in an electronic health record biobank |
| Andrew Lutas, PhD | 2021 | Peptidergic control of the motivation to eat via presynaptic modulation |
| Natalia Machado, MS, PhD | 2021-2022 | A master switch in the regulation of body temperature and metabolic rate |
| Danielle Haslam, PhD | 2021-2022 | Multi-omic signatures of sugar and artificially-sweetened beverages and changes in body weight |
| Clemens Wittenbecher, PhD | 2021-2022 | Metabolomics profiles’ 10-year changes linking diet, obesity and genetics to subsequent T2D risk |
| Frankie Heyward, PhD | 2022 | Determining the Direct Transcriptional Targets of IRF3 in AgRP Neurons |
| Donato Rivas, PhD | 2022 | Impact of adipocyte-derived miRNA on age-associated metabolic capacity and muscle atrophy |