How genetic differences change insulin-producing beta cell behavior
The impact of genomic variation on environment-induced changes in pancreatic beta cell states
This project looks at how people’s genetic differences change the way insulin-producing beta cells respond to nutrients, hormones, and inflammation, which matters for adult-onset diabetes.
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 ID | NIH-11142484 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will grow tiny human islet organoids—lab-made versions of pancreatic tissue—from stem cells and expose them to different nutrients, hormones, and inflammatory signals to mimic stresses beta cells face in the body. They will use advanced single-cell genomic tools to see which genes turn on or off and how DNA packaging and interactions change in individual cells. By comparing organoids with different genetic backgrounds and linking genomic data, the team aims to identify which genetic variants cause harmful or adaptive beta cell state changes. This work uses patient-derived genomic information and lab models, not experimental treatments in volunteers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes or those with a family history or known genetic risk could be relevant as donors of genomic data or biological samples, although the project itself is lab-based and does not provide treatment.
Not a fit: Anyone seeking an immediate new therapy or clinical benefit will not benefit directly because this is basic laboratory research rather than a treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific genetic mechanisms that cause beta cells to fail under stress and guide future precision therapies to protect insulin production.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies using human stem cell-derived islet organoids and single-cell genomics have begun to map beta-cell gene activity, but linking genetic variants to environment-driven state changes is a newer and less-tested application of these methods.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- 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
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.