Creating insulin-producing cells from stomach cells for diabetes

Derivation of pancreatic islet-like organoids from human gastric stem cells

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11174220

This project aims to create new insulin-producing cells from human stomach tissue to help people with Type 1 diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11174220 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers are working to grow special insulin-producing cells, called GINS organoids, from human stomach stem cells. These GINS organoids have shown promise in reversing diabetes in mice by producing insulin when blood sugar rises. The goal is to develop a way to make large quantities of these cells, which could eventually be used as a new treatment for Type 1 diabetes. This approach seeks to overcome the shortage of donor cells currently needed for islet transplantation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is foundational for individuals with Type 1 diabetes who might one day benefit from cell transplantation therapies.

Not a fit: Patients without Type 1 diabetes or those not suitable for cell transplantation would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to an abundant supply of insulin-producing cells for transplantation, potentially offering a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While deriving insulin-secreting cells from GI tissues has been shown feasible, mass-producing these specific islet-like organoids for translational use is a novel aspect of this work.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.