People with metabolic syndrome have a cluster of abnormalities (including obesity, insulin resistance, and hypertension) that increase their risk for cardiovascular disease. The syndrome affects about 44% of Americans over age 50 and is a major predictor of reduced survival.

Rajat Singh, M.D., M.B.B.S., has received a five-year, $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate how gut lipid metabolism is influenced by the protein mTOR and by proteins associated with the cellular cleanup process known as autophagy. The research may lead to new strategies for treating and preventing the increased dietary fat intake associated with metabolic syndrome. Dr. Singh is an associate professor of medicine and of molecular pharmacology at Einstein.