Exploring how pregnancy affects immune cells that support insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
Official title: Identifying Gestational-induced Changes in Islet Macrophages as a Potential Target for Beta-cell Expansion
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10824072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain immune cells in pregnant women can help the pancreas grow more insulin-producing cells, which could lead to better ways to boost insulin production for people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2024 |
| Project end | July 21, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,927 |
| NIH project number | 1F31GM150237-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10824072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or those with a history of gestational diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in immune cells, specifically macrophages, during pregnancy can influence the growth of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. By examining the role of these immune cells in promoting beta cell expansion, the study aims to understand how the body adapts to increased insulin demands during pregnancy. The approach involves analyzing the behavior of macrophages and their impact on beta cell function in a controlled setting. This could lead to new strategies for enhancing insulin production in individuals with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance insulin production in diabetic patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that immune cells play a crucial role in tissue regeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burnette , Kalia — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Burnette , Kalia
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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.