Biased activation of PPAR gamma to improve diabetes treatment
Official title: Structural definition of biased agonism in the nuclear receptor PPAR gamma.
Funded at University of Montana · NIH-11372295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how tiny differences in how a drug activates PPAR gamma could reduce side effects while helping manage type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Montana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Missoula, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $357,914 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129646-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with type 2 diabetes or related metabolic conditions who might benefit from safer PPAR gamma–targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without conditions that involve PPAR gamma–related pathways or those not seeking diabetes therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how different activators of PPAR gamma turn on the receptor in distinct ways, with the goal of keeping the good glucose-lowering effects while reducing weight gain and bone loss. Researchers will compare full activators (like TZDs) to partial, biased activators in lab models to understand why some cause fewer adverse effects. The team will examine how these activators recruit coactivator proteins and how this changes gene expression in fat and other tissues. The work combines molecular biology with experiments in cells and animal models to map the pathways involved. If successful, the findings could guide safer, more effective drugs for adults with type 2 diabetes and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to diabetes medications that work well with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows biased agonism can produce different cellular responses, supporting potential of safer drugs; this area is actively explored but translations to clinic are ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Montana
Missoula, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, Travis Shane — University of Montana
- Study coordinator: Hughes, Travis Shane
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.