We are pleased to share highlights from the Fall 2025 Medicine Iowa article, “Exploring the Pathways in Fat Metabolism,” which showcases groundbreaking research led by researchers at the FOE Diabetes Research Center. The four studies highlighted underscore our leadership in uncovering new metabolic targets to combat diabetes- and obesity-related diseases and improve global health outcomes. Here is the key published research highlighted in the article: 

• Understanding Liver Fat Production: Dr. Eric Taylor’s team who studies how the body makes fat in the liver discovered key steps in the process and found that a cholesterol-lowering drug called bempedoic acid might also help treat fatty liver disease, which is associated with obesity and diabetes. 
• How the Brain Affects the Liver: Dr. Ling Yang’s research showed that stress caused by obesity can affect the brain’s pituitary gland, which in turn disrupts how the liver works. This discovery points to thyroid hormones as a possible way to treat a common liver condition called MASLD, which is associated with obesity and diabetes. 
• A Hormone That Helps Heal the Liver: Dr. Matthew Potthoff and Dr. Kamal Rahmouni found that a hormone called FGF21 can improve liver health by lowering fat and scarring. This could be a new way to reverse serious liver damage that is related to obesity and diabetes. 
• A New Target for Metabolic Disease: Dr. Bhagirath Chaurasia’s team found that a protein called FGF13 plays a role in how harmful fats called ceramides affect metabolism. Targeting FGF13 might be a safer way to treat metabolic diseases related to obesity and diabetes than current approaches. 

These discoveries not only deepen our understanding of fat metabolism but also pave the way for novel therapies to treat liver disorders, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular 

disease. The publication of four major studies in Cell Metabolism, a prestigious journal, reflects the strength and collaborative spirit of our research community. 

We commend our investigators for their innovation and dedication. Their work continues to elevate the FOE Diabetes Research Center as a national leader in metabolic disease research.