NIH-funded research R01 grant

Diabetic bladder problems in diabetes mice show sex-specific nerve and inflammation roles

Official title: Inflammation and neuropathy drive sex-specific diabetic bladder dysfunction in Akita mice

Funded at Duke University · NIH-11446046 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Aims to understand why bladder problems happen in diabetes, exploring how inflammation and nerves differ between male and female mice.

More Neuropathy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project startApril 15, 2019
Project endApril 30, 2031
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$700,957
NIH project number2R01DK117890-06A1
Project IDNIH-11446046 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with adult-onset diabetes who experience urinary symptoms related to bladder dysfunction may benefit from advances arising from this work.

Less likely to help

Direct benefits may not be evident for individuals without diabetes or bladder symptoms.

What this research studies

This project studies diabetes-related bladder dysfunction using Akita mice and compares males and females to see how inflammation (NLRP3) and nerve changes contribute. Researchers will cross diabetic mice with NLRP3-deficient mice and examine bladder function and nerve fiber changes over time. The goal is to identify targeted interventions to prevent or treat bladder problems in people with diabetes. Results could point to sex-specific approaches for managing bladder symptoms in diabetic patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could lead to new, targeted therapies for diabetic bladder dysfunction for people with diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown inflammation and neuropathy play roles in diabetic bladder dysfunction, with sex differences observed in animal models; this study aims to translate those findings further.

Where this research is happening

  • Duke University
    Durham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Purves, J. Todd — Duke University
  • Study coordinator: Purves, J. Todd

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.