How C2cd4a affects blood sugar and insulin-producing cells
Decipher the Function of C2cd4a in Metabolism
This project looks at how a gene called C2cd4a influences insulin-producing beta cells and blood sugar control in adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231217 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies a gene called C2cd4a that sits in a diabetes-linked region of human DNA and may influence insulin-producing beta cells. Researchers will use molecular mapping and multi-omics data alongside lab experiments to see how the gene works as a transcription cofactor and how a nearby long noncoding RNA controls it. They will test truncated human and mouse versions of the protein and use mice that lack C2cd4a in beta cells to observe effects on insulin secretion and exercise-triggered low blood sugar. Together these lab and animal approaches aim to build a pathway explaining how C2cd4a affects beta-cell function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes, people who experience exercise-related hypoglycemia, or those with a family history of T2D could be relevant for future related clinical studies or sample-donation opportunities.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes or blood sugar problems not related to beta-cell insulin secretion are less likely to directly benefit from this gene-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets to improve insulin secretion or prevent exercise-related hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human genetic studies and mouse experiments have linked this locus to diabetes risk and shown that removing C2cd4a impairs insulin secretion, but the detailed molecular mechanisms are still largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuo, Taiyi Diana — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Kuo, Taiyi Diana
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.