Activating a protein to understand pancreatic beta cell dysfunction in diabetes
Official title: Forced Activation of ATF6 Drives Pancreatic Beta Cell Dysfunction
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11082195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how turning on a certain protein in the pancreas might help improve the way insulin-producing cells work, which could be really helpful for people with Type 2 Diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 18, 2024 |
| Project end | March 17, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DK136225-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Type 1 Diabetes or those without any form of diabetes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how activating a specific protein, ATF6α, affects the function of pancreatic beta cells, which are crucial for insulin production and blood sugar regulation. The study uses genetically modified mice to observe the effects of this activation on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. By exposing these mice to a pharmacological agent, researchers can control the timing and location of ATF6α activation, allowing for a detailed analysis of its role in diabetes. The findings aim to uncover mechanisms that contribute to beta cell dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving insulin production and glucose regulation in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting the Unfolded Protein Response can have beneficial effects in other models of diabetes, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rappa, Andrew — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Rappa, Andrew
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.