Exploring a new way to target a specific receptor involved in diabetes treatment
Official title: Investigation and Targeting of Alternate Binding Site in ERRα
Funded at St. Louis College of Pharmacy · NIH-10810715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help people with diabetes by finding small molecules that can better target a specific part of a protein involved in inflammation and metabolism, which could lead to improved treatments and fewer complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Louis College of Pharmacy NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $186,132 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DK132605-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10810715 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes or those who do not have metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), which plays a significant role in regulating gene expressions linked to inflammation and metabolism in diabetes. The team aims to identify new small molecule agonists that can effectively bind to ERRα, particularly focusing on a newly discovered alternate binding site. By using advanced molecular dynamics simulations, the researchers hope to enhance the potency and selectivity of these agonists, which could lead to better therapeutic options for patients with diabetes. The ultimate goal is to develop more effective treatments that can reduce the severe complications associated with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective medications for managing diabetes and its complications.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting ERRα is a promising approach, this specific investigation into an alternate binding site is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Louis College of Pharmacy
St. Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hegazy, Lamees — St. Louis College of Pharmacy
- Study coordinator: Hegazy, Lamees
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.