Developing tools to detect early signs of type-1 diabetes
Official title: ZnT8-specific bioanalytical tools for probing autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells in type-1 diabetes
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11137395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool to help find specific antibodies in the blood that can show if someone has type-1 diabetes, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,403 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK135699-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young individuals under 21 years old who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with type-1 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type-2 diabetes or those without any autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new bioanalytical tools to identify specific autoantibodies related to the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells in type-1 diabetes. By targeting the Zinc Transport-8 (ZnT8) protein, which is a key marker of islet autoimmunity, the researchers aim to develop a biosensor that can detect these autoantibodies in the blood. This could help in diagnosing type-1 diabetes at an earlier stage, potentially leading to better management and treatment options for patients. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these tools in clinical settings, providing valuable insights into the disease's progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved management of type-1 diabetes, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing diagnostic tools for autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Dax — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Fu, Dax
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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.