How protein hormones control cell communication
Processes mediated by polypeptides
Researchers are using lab-made protein snippets to learn how hormone receptors that affect type 2 diabetes and bone health talk to cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11264763 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses chemically made polypeptides to probe how long peptide hormones activate a family of cell surface receptors important in diabetes and other conditions. The team studies receptors such as GLP-1R, the glucagon receptor, PTHR1 and GLP-2R to see which signaling steps are shared and which are unique. Experiments are done in the lab at the molecular and cellular level rather than in patients, though the receptors are the same ones targeted by current diabetes medicines. Findings could help scientists design better drugs in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is mainly laboratory research, adults with type 2 diabetes might be invited to provide blood or tissue samples in related studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate new treatments or clinical care are unlikely to benefit directly because this grant focuses on basic lab science rather than clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide the development of safer or more effective medicines for type 2 diabetes and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs targeting GLP-1R and similar peptide receptors are already effective for diabetes, but this peptide-based mechanistic work is more experimental and focused on basic understanding.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gellman, Samuel H. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Gellman, Samuel H.
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.