Exploring how early life microbes affect pancreatic development to prevent diabetes
Official title: Mining host-microbe interactions in the neonatal pancreas to combat diabetes
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11098745 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny germs in the guts of newborns might help their pancreas grow properly, which could be important for preventing Type 1 Diabetes in kids who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,372 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DK133625-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098745 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and infants at risk for Type 1 Diabetes due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes or those outside the age range of newborns to infants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of environmental microbes in the gastrointestinal tract of newborns and their impact on pancreatic development, particularly in relation to Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The study focuses on how the diversity of these microbes can influence the growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas during critical early life stages. By examining the interactions between specific bacteria and pancreatic development, the research aims to identify ways to enhance β-cell growth and potentially prevent the onset of diabetes in genetically susceptible children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing Type 1 Diabetes in at-risk infants by promoting healthy microbial diversity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and diabetes, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hill, Jennifer Hampton — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Hill, Jennifer Hampton
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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.