How RNA signals from cells affect metabolism
Official title: Extracellular vesicle-dependent RNA signaling in metabolism
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10936737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny particles help cells talk to each other using RNA, which could give us new insights into how metabolism works, especially in people with adult-onset diabetes, and ultimately help improve treatments for metabolic diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $391,250 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1DK139964-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with adult-onset diabetes or those at risk of developing metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metabolic conditions unrelated to RNA signaling or those who do not have adult-onset diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new way that cells communicate with each other through RNA molecules, which are transferred via tiny particles called extracellular vesicles. By studying how these vesicles deliver RNA to target cells, the research aims to understand their role in regulating metabolism, particularly in conditions like adult-onset diabetes. The approach includes biochemical and genetic experiments to identify key proteins involved in this process, which could lead to new insights into metabolic signaling. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how metabolic diseases develop and how they can be treated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of RNA signaling is emerging, this specific approach using extracellular vesicles is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Jingshi — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Shen, Jingshi
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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.