How insulin-making pancreas (beta) cells are formed and controlled
Functional interaction of transcriptional regulators in endocrine lineage specification
This project looks at how a key protein called Pdx1 and its partners control the growth, identity, and function of insulin-producing beta cells to help people with adult-onset diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11243520 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are mapping the 3D DNA control hubs and protein interactions that guide beta-cell development and expansion, with a focus on the Pdx1 protein. They will use lab models, cell-based systems, and genomic tools such as ATAC-seq to study how Pdx1 and a flexible C-terminal region influence gene activity and cell cycle behavior. The team will test how changing Pdx1 levels or interactions affects beta-cell formation, proliferation, and identity. Results will point to molecular steps that could be targeted to preserve or expand insulin-producing cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes, those at risk for diabetes, or individuals willing to donate pancreatic tissue or join future related clinical studies.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to insulin production or those who need immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct short-term benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ways to boost or protect insulin-producing cells, potentially leading to therapies that restore or preserve insulin production in people with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work firmly shows Pdx1 is vital for beta-cell identity and that chromatin hubs regulate gene programs, while applying intrinsically disordered region and phase-separation concepts to promote beta-cell expansion is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stoffers, Doris a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Stoffers, Doris a
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.