The Metabolic Clinical Research Unit (MCRU) opened in 2007 as a key component of the Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research . The NIDDK worked closely with the Clinical Center to design the Unit, which houses state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for a wide range of metabolic clinical research studies. The MCRU brings together experts in a wide range of fields including metabolism, endocrinology, nutrition, cardiovascular biology, gastroenterology, hepatology, genetics, and behavioral sciences. It supports protocols designed by researchers from across all NIH institutes investigating the factors that contribute to weight gain, obesity, and associated diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain types of cancer.