Examining the role of tiny vesicles in obesity and type 2 diabetes
Official title: Profiling extracellular vesicle cargo in obesity and type 2 diabetes
Funded at Translational Genomics Research Inst · NIH-10897892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles in the blood that come from our cells to see how they might play a role in obesity and type 2 diabetes, helping us understand how these conditions are connected and how weight loss or surgery can improve health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Translational Genomics Research Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $711,554 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK120890-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity, particularly those who also have type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are small membrane-bound particles released by cells, contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). By analyzing the protein and RNA content of EVs in the blood of individuals with obesity and T2D, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that link these conditions. The research will involve comparing samples from T2D patients and those without diabetes to identify specific changes in EV cargo that may influence metabolic health. This could lead to new insights into how weight loss and bariatric surgery improve glucose metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new biomarkers for obesity and T2D, improving diagnosis and treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that analyzing extracellular vesicles can provide valuable insights into metabolic diseases, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Translational Genomics Research Inst
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Distefano, Johanna K — Translational Genomics Research Inst
- Study coordinator: Distefano, Johanna K
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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.