How insulin helps the bladder defend against urinary tract infections
Insulin Signaling Activates Urothelial Defenses to Reduce Urinary Tract Infection Susceptibility
Learning how insulin signaling in the bladder helps protect people with diabetes from urinary tract infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175506 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at how insulin and related molecules help the bladder lining fight bacteria. Scientists use lab studies on bladder cells, animal models, and analysis of tissue or patient samples to see how insulin receptor signaling, PPARγ, and histone deacetylases affect infection risk. They also test drugs that boost these insulin-related pathways to strengthen the bladder barrier and increase natural antimicrobial defenses. The work aims to point toward new ways to prevent or treat UTIs in people with diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetes who have frequent or severe urinary tract infections are the most likely candidates for related studies or future treatments.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or those whose UTIs are mainly due to indwelling catheters or structural urinary tract problems may not directly benefit from insulin-focused approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies that lower UTI risk and severity for people with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies support roles for insulin, PPARγ activation, and histone deacetylase inhibition in bladder defense, but clinical benefits in people remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, United States
- Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spencer, John David — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Spencer, John David
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.