How islet cell organization and communication affect insulin production
Regulation of spatial organization and cell-cell communication in the islet of Langerhans
Testing whether the Slit-Robo signaling pathway helps islet cells reorganize and communicate so adults at risk for type 2 or gestational diabetes can keep making enough insulin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237110 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how the three-dimensional arrangement and cell-to-cell signals inside pancreatic islets change when the body needs more insulin. Researchers will focus on the Slit-Robo signaling pathway and how lowering Robo2 in beta cells affects islet remodeling and hormone release. They will use advanced 3-D imaging and laboratory experiments on islet tissue and cell models, and may analyze human islet samples alongside animal or cell studies. The goal is to understand why some islets successfully expand to meet increased insulin demand while others fail.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with prediabetes, early type 2 diabetes, or a history/risk of gestational diabetes would be the most relevant patients for future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: People with long-standing, advanced beta-cell loss or those with autoimmune type 1 diabetes may not directly benefit from approaches focused on islet remodeling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to preserve or restore islet organization and function, potentially preventing or delaying type 2 and gestational diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows that islet architecture and cell communication matter for insulin secretion, but targeting the Slit-Robo pathway for islet remodeling is a relatively new and unproven approach in humans.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blum, Barak — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Blum, Barak
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.