How a liver transporter affects blood sugar production
Regulation of Hepatic Fuel Fluxes by the Mitochondrial Dicarboxylate Carrier
This work looks at how a mitochondrial transport protein in the liver influences glucose production, with relevance for people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237156 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying a protein that moves small molecules out of liver cell mitochondria to see how it helps make new glucose. They use genetically modified mice, liver cells grown in the lab, and special stable-isotope tracers that track how carbon moves through metabolic pathways. The team compares normal and diabetic conditions to find whether this transporter is overactive in type 2 diabetes and how that contributes to high blood sugar. Findings could point to ways to change the transporter’s activity to reduce excess liver glucose production.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes, especially those with elevated fasting glucose or an interest in metabolic research or contributing samples, would be most relevant to this line of work.
Not a fit: People without type 2 diabetes or those whose conditions are unrelated to liver glucose production are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new target to lower excess liver glucose production and help improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier biochemical and animal work hinted that mitochondrial malate export supports gluconeogenesis, but modern molecular studies and translational human-focused work on this transporter have been limited.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Eric B — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Eric B
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.