Could the protein RIPK3 drive islet inflammation and beta-cell death in type 2 diabetes?
Official title: Novel roles for RIP kinases in islet inflammation and beta-cell cytotoxicity in type 2 diabetes
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-11247582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether blocking the protein RIPK3 or its activity can reduce inflammation and protect insulin-producing beta cells for people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006913-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with type 2 diabetes, particularly those showing progressive loss of insulin production or signs of islet amyloid, would be most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without type 2 diabetes or whose condition is driven mainly by insulin resistance without beta-cell loss are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers will use a humanized mouse model that lacks RIPK3 specifically in beta cells or in macrophages to see how RIPK3 affects islet inflammation, beta-cell survival, and blood sugar control. They will also test a small-molecule RIPK3 inhibitor as a potential treatment. In the lab they will study gene activity with RNA sequencing, map kinase signaling with kinome profiling, and watch cell death and insulin secretion using live-cell imaging. The work combines cell and animal experiments to judge whether targeting RIPK3 could translate into new therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce islet inflammation and help preserve insulin production in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory work, including studies from the investigators, shows that losing or blocking RIPK3 can protect beta cells in cell and mouse models, but testing this approach in humans is still novel.
Where this research is happening
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Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Templin, Andrew T. — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Templin, Andrew T.
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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.