How ACE2 affects gut leaks and blood‑retinal barrier damage in diabetes
ACE2 on gut barrier dysfunction and BRB disruption
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11240323
This project looks at whether lower ACE2 protein in the intestines of adults with type 2 diabetes leads to bigger swings in blood sugar and contributes to retina damage that causes diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11240323 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is linking a gut protein called ACE2 to blood sugar control and to damage in the eye’s blood‑retinal barrier. They measure ACE2 levels, blood glucose variability, gut absorption markers (like tryptophan and incretin hormones), and signs of gut barrier leakage while comparing diabetic models and human-derived samples. The researchers will trace how changes in gut ACE2 affect circulation of microbial peptides and angiotensin peptides that can reach the eye. The goal is to connect gut dysfunction to early retinal injury so new therapy targets can be identified.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes—especially those with unstable blood sugars or early signs of diabetic retinopathy—are the most relevant candidates to benefit or to be invited to related studies.
Not a fit: People without type 2 diabetes or those whose eye problems are from non‑diabetic causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce blood sugar swings and lower the risk or progression of diabetic retinopathy by restoring gut ACE2 activity or its downstream pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and preclinical studies have linked ACE2/Ang‑(1‑7) signaling to improved glucose handling and tissue protection, but applying gut ACE2 findings to prevent diabetic retinopathy in humans is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GRANT, MARIA BARTOLOMEO — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: GRANT, MARIA BARTOLOMEO
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus