How insulin signaling helps protect against urinary tract infections in people with diabetes

Insulin Signaling Activates Urothelial Defenses to Reduce Urinary Tract Infection Susceptibility

NIH-funded research Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-10894255

This study is looking at how insulin helps people with diabetes better fight off urinary tract infections (UTIs) by boosting their bladder's defenses, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent and treat these infections for those living with diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, United States)
Project IDNIH-10894255 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of insulin signaling in enhancing the body's defenses against urinary tract infections (UTIs) in individuals with diabetes. It aims to understand how insulin affects the bladder's ability to fight off infections by regulating immune responses and strengthening the protective barrier of the bladder lining. By examining specific molecular targets, such as PPARγ and histone deacetylase proteins, the study seeks to identify new strategies for preventing and treating UTIs in diabetic patients. The findings could lead to improved therapies that bolster the innate immune system in the urinary tract.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with diabetes who are at risk for urinary tract infections.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those who do not experience urinary tract infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for urinary tract infections in patients with diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of insulin in immune responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.