How ROCK1 and ROCK2 help beta cells release insulin
Official title: Control of insulin secretion by Rho-kinase
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11445259 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how two proteins called ROCK1 and ROCK2 control insulin release from pancreatic beta cells in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $878,693 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK144227-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445259 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with type 2 diabetes or impaired beta-cell function who may benefit from therapies that enhance insulin secretion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-controlled diabetes or those not relying on beta-cell insulin secretion may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will investigate how ROCK1 and ROCK2 influence the ability of beta cells to release insulin in response to sugar, and how these pathways affect overall blood glucose control. They will look at interactions between ROCK proteins and key metabolic signals, including connections to pyruvate kinase and insulin signaling. The work includes experiments on human-relevant beta-cell models to understand protective roles against cellular stress and how these pathways might be targeted to improve insulin secretion. If successful, the findings could point to new ways to support or restore insulin release in people with adult-onset diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new targets to improve insulin secretion and blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Early data suggest ROCK1/ROCK2 pathways are important for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, with ongoing work to translate these findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Young-Bum — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kim, Young-Bum
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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.