How genetic differences affect how pancreatic beta cells respond to environment
Official title: The impact of genomic variation on environment-induced changes in pancreatic beta cell states
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11520014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people and lab models will explore how genetic variants influence how pancreatic beta cells change in response to environmental signals that affect insulin release.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,155,954 |
| NIH project number | 3U01HG012059-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11520014 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk for diabetes, or those who contribute to stem cell and beta cell research through related biospecimen donations or participation in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Participants not directly involved in the stem cell or biomarker analyses may not receive direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use human stem cell–derived beta cell models and single-cell assays to map how genetic differences alter gene activity and chromatin in response to nutrients, hormones, and inflammatory signals. The work aims to link specific genetic variants to changes in beta cell states that control insulin secretion. Findings could reveal why some people are more susceptible to diabetes and identify new targets to preserve or restore insulin production. The project combines advanced 3D cell models with cutting-edge genomic techniques to capture dynamic state changes in beta cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how genetics influence insulin secretion could lead to personalized strategies to prevent or treat diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with beta cell organoids and single-cell genomics has successfully linked regulatory changes to insulin secretion, supporting this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carter, Hannah Kathryn — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Carter, Hannah Kathryn
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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.