Autophagy links to Type 1 Diabetes onset and progression
Official title: Linking Autophagy to Type 1 Diabetes Onset and Progression
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11464925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a cellular recycling process in insulin-producing cells might influence the development and course of Type 1 diabetes in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $763,766 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK149554-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11464925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People at risk for or diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, or those with evidence of β-cell stress and autoimmune activity.
✕Less likely to help
No direct benefit for individuals without Type 1 diabetes or related autoimmune conditions.
What this research studies
Type 1 diabetes happens when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, but many people still have some insulin-producing cells left. This study explores whether autophagy, a cellular housekeeping process, affects which β-cells become targets and how quickly the disease progresses. By studying human samples and animal models, the researchers will examine how autophagy changes β-cell stress, antigen presentation, and immune activation. The team will use patient-derived material and advanced models to understand whether improving autophagy could protect β-cells and maintain immune tolerance. Findings could point to new strategies to delay or lessen autoimmune attack in people at risk or with early Type 1 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to therapies that protect β-cells and slow or prevent progression of Type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in humans and mouse models suggest autophagy affects β-cell immunity, making this a promising but still exploratory approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Linnemann, Amelia K — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Linnemann, Amelia K
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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.