Changing how pancreatic beta cells use glutamine to improve insulin production
Official title: Reprogramming glutamine metabolism in pancreatic beta cells
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11048225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can help insulin-producing cells in the pancreas work better when the body needs more insulin, especially for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, by focusing on a special protein that helps with energy production in those cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $721,682 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139146-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048225 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with insulin production or are not at risk for type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin, can be reprogrammed to better handle increased insulin demands, particularly in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The team focuses on a specific protein, GPT2, that plays a crucial role in converting glutamate and pyruvate into alpha-ketoglutarate, a compound that supports energy production in cells. By understanding how to manipulate this metabolic pathway, the researchers aim to enhance the function of beta cells and prevent their failure in producing insulin. This could lead to new strategies for treating or preventing type 2 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin production in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating metabolic pathways in beta cells, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stoffers, Doris a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Stoffers, Doris a
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.