Exocrine–Endocrine Crosstalk and Beta Cell Growth in Diabetes
Official title: Exocrine-Endocrine Crosstalk and Determinants of Beta Cell Growth
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11535219 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how pancreatic cells that make insulin grow and regulate themselves, with a focus on type 2 diabetes in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $548,678 |
| NIH project number | 2R56DK121987-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535219 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for adult-onset diabetes (type 2 diabetes) who have research-relevant islet or pancreatic tissue characteristics.
✕Less likely to help
People without diabetes or those not involved in islet-related research may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers study how beta cells control the production of insulin and other proteins, and how disruptions can affect cell identity and diabetes. They will examine how signals from exocrine tissue and fat in the pancreas influence beta cell growth and function. The work includes studying human islets from donors and experiments aimed at understanding how to boost healthy beta cell mass in the context of exocrine disease. The findings could point to new ways to preserve or restore insulin-producing cells in people with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to new strategies to protect or restore insulin-producing beta cells in diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work links regulated protein synthesis to beta cell identity and suggests pancreatic adipose tissue can influence beta cell growth, with potential for novel therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mastracci, Teresa Louise — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Mastracci, Teresa Louise
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.