Finding ways to prevent misfolding of proinsulin to protect pancreatic cells in diabetes
Official title: Developing proinsulin misfolding inhibitors for beta cell protection and diabetes treatment
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11237465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with diabetes by testing a small molecule that could protect the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, aiming to improve how well these cells work and produce insulin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,841 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK130174-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237465 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of developing diabetes or those with early-stage diabetes characterized by beta cell dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced diabetes complications or those who do not have issues related to proinsulin misfolding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new treatments for diabetes by targeting the misfolding of proinsulin, a precursor to insulin that can cause pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. The researchers have identified a small molecule, PTTD, that shows promise in protecting beta cells from stress-induced damage and improving insulin production. They aim to create more effective versions of this molecule through advanced medicinal chemistry techniques. By addressing the root cause of beta cell failure, this research could lead to innovative therapies for diabetes management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect pancreatic cells and improve insulin production, potentially transforming diabetes care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting protein misfolding in diabetes, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Weidong — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Wang, Weidong
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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.