Find molecules that let inflammation block important cell signals
Identify new mediators of proinflammatory cytokine signaling
This project looks for molecules that let inflammation shut down a key cell signaling pathway (AKT) that affects insulin-related processes in people with adult-onset diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231259 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is using lab-grown cells and genetic tools to find the genes that let inflammatory proteins like IL-1β and TNFα interfere with AKT signaling. They will use RNA sequencing to see which genes change when cells are exposed to these cytokines and run genome-wide CRISPR screens to knock out genes and see which ones alter the inflammation effect. Promising genes will be re-checked in follow-up pooled and single-gene tests, and the researchers will study how those genes work at the molecular level. The work may also use adipocyte models and animal experiments to link the findings to metabolism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a laboratory-focused project and does not enroll patients, though people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes would be the population most likely to benefit from follow-up studies or future trials based on these findings.
Not a fit: Because this is basic lab research, patients looking for immediate treatments or those without inflammation-driven metabolic disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this grant's activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to protect insulin-related signaling from inflammation and help treat metabolic problems in adult-onset diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Genome-wide CRISPR screens and RNA-Seq are proven ways to find signaling mediators in other settings, but applying them specifically to cytokine-driven AKT inhibition is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Suzhao — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Li, Suzhao
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 below.