Detecting aging cells in the pancreas
Official title: Specific senescence detection in pancreatic islets
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10648322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging cells in the pancreas might play a role in type 2 diabetes, especially in older adults, and aims to create a special tool to spot these cells so we can learn more about the disease and find better ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | September 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $419,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG081869-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10648322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, especially those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have diabetes or related metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how aging cells in the pancreas contribute to type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects many older adults. The team aims to develop a new molecular probe that can identify senescent (aging) cells in pancreatic islets in real-time. By studying these cells in both isolated samples and live mouse models of diabetes, the researchers hope to uncover important insights into the progression of the disease and the role of cellular aging. This could lead to better-targeted therapies for managing diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for diagnosing and treating type 2 diabetes, particularly in older patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cellular senescence for various age-related diseases, suggesting that this approach could be effective for diabetes as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cui, Lina — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Cui, Lina
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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.