How GLIS3 helps make and protect insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells
Role of GLIS3 in Human Pancreatic Beta Cell Generation, Survival and Proliferation
This project looks at whether changing a gene called GLIS3 can improve how human insulin-making beta cells are produced, survive, and grow for people with adult-onset diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249155 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use human embryonic stem cells engineered to carry diabetes-linked GLIS3 variants or to lack GLIS3, then guide those cells to become pancreatic beta-like cells in the lab. They will compare how well these engineered cells form, survive, and multiply and will profile gene activity using tools such as ATAC-seq. The team will also test a TGFβ-blocking compound that in early work reduced cell death in GLIS3-deficient beta-like cells. The work aims to pinpoint molecular steps that could be targeted to improve beta cell health in diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes or people known to carry GLIS3-related mutations are the most relevant candidates to follow or to be asked to provide samples for related studies.
Not a fit: People whose diabetes is unrelated to GLIS3 or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect or replace insulin-producing beta cells, helping people with diabetes need less insulin and avoid complications.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier lab studies link GLIS3 to beta cell formation and show a TGFβ inhibitor can reduce cell death in GLIS3-deficient cells, but clinical benefit in patients remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shuibing — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shuibing
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.