How certain genes help keep glucagon-producing alpha cells healthy
Revealing LIM-Domain Transcriptional Complexes that Establish and Maintain Alpha-Cell Mass
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11311293
This project looks at how specific gene partners control alpha cells that make glucagon, aiming to help adults with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11311293 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study proteins (like Islet-1 and LDB1) that guide the development and function of glucagon-producing alpha cells in the pancreas. They will use mouse models, human genetic information, and lab-grown stem cell–derived alpha cells to find the genes and pathways those proteins control. The team will map target genes and pathways that keep alpha cells healthy during development and in adults. Findings are meant to inform ways to make replacement alpha cells and to reveal new targets for diabetes treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or adults willing to donate pancreatic tissue or blood samples for research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate changes to their diabetes care or children under 21 are unlikely to get direct, short-term benefits from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to restore or replace malfunctioning alpha cells and lead to therapies that better control blood sugar in diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Related research has successfully identified key regulators in insulin-producing beta cells using similar approaches, but applying these methods to alpha cells is newer and less proven.
Where this research is happening
KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER — KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUNTER, CHAD S — UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: HUNTER, CHAD S
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