How insulin and IGF‑1 signals help pancreatic beta cells survive and grow
Role of IGF-1 and insulin receptors beta-cell survival
Researchers are looking at whether insulin and IGF‑1 signaling keeps insulin-producing beta cells alive and able to multiply for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11232330 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, this project is trying to understand why some people’s insulin-producing beta cells can compensate for insulin resistance while others lose those cells and develop diabetes. Scientists will study insulin and IGF‑1 receptor signaling and an RNA modification called m6A to see how these pathways control beta-cell growth, secretion, and death. The team will use lab models, cellular and molecular tests, and tissue samples to track cell survival and changes in beta-cell numbers under stressed conditions. The goal is to identify targets that might help protect or restore beta cells in people with diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes—especially those early in disease or with unstable blood sugar control—would be most relevant for the findings or for donating samples.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or those with very long-standing, complete loss of beta-cell function are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic/translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to protect or restore insulin-producing beta cells and reduce the need for insulin or other medications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown insulin/IGF‑1 signaling influences beta-cell survival and recent work implicates m6A as a regulator, but clinical therapies based on these mechanisms are still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Joslin Diabetes Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kulkarni, Rohit N. — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Kulkarni, Rohit N.
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.