How insulin-producing beta cells use metabolism to resist stress
Metabolic crosstalks in regulation of beta-cell stress response and adaptation
This project looks at how metabolic pathways help insulin-making beta cells survive stress, with the goal of helping people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294296 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The researchers study how a key enzyme called pyruvate carboxylase helps glucose-driven signals protect beta cells by promoting the urea cycle and making the antioxidant glutathione. They will map the molecular players, including how the protein BAD influences these pathways, using cell experiments and animal models. The team will track effects on beta-cell survival, growth, and insulin secretion to see which pathways are most protective. The goal is to find specific targets that could later be tested as therapies to preserve or restore beta-cell function in diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or those at high risk of diabetes due to declining beta-cell function, are the patient groups most likely to benefit.
Not a fit: People whose health problems are unrelated to beta-cell dysfunction or those with very advanced, irreversible complications may not see direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to protect or restore insulin-producing beta cells and slow or prevent diabetes progression.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies have shown promising protective effects on beta cells, but translating these mechanisms into human treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Danial, Nika N — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Danial, Nika 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.