How PITPNA affects insulin-producing beta cells in diabetes
PITPNA in pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and diabetes pathogenesis
This work looks at whether restoring a protein called PITPNA can help insulin-producing beta cells make and release insulin better in people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294287 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is studying a protein called PITPNA that helps move lipids inside cells and appears important for forming insulin granules. They compare beta cells from people with type 2 diabetes to healthy cells, use lab-grown human islets and mouse models, and change PITPNA levels to see how insulin processing and release are affected. The researchers measure lipid signals, granule maturation, proinsulin buildup, ER/oxidative stress, and beta-cell survival. Their goal is to identify ways to restore PITPNA function so beta cells can produce and secrete insulin more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes or people willing to donate pancreatic tissue or islets for research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People with autoimmune type 1 diabetes or those seeking immediate clinical treatments may not directly benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to therapies that protect beta cells and improve insulin production in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies and early mouse experiments show promising effects of PITPNA on insulin granule formation, but human clinical benefits are not yet demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poy, Matthew Ng — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Poy, Matthew Ng
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.