How signaling pathways affect insulin-producing islet cells in diabetes
Secretagogue and Gi/o-GPCR signaling through the islet Na+/K+-ATPase in health and diabetes
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · NIH-11326698
This work looks at how signals that control a cell 'pump' in insulin-producing islet cells change calcium signals and hormone release in type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326698 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study pancreatic islet cells (the beta and delta cells) to see how G-protein-coupled receptors and the Na+/K+-ATPase 'pump' change calcium handling and hormone release. Most experiments use animal models and isolated islets to measure electrical activity, calcium oscillations, and the activity of enzymes like Src kinase and PKA. The team will compare healthy and diabetic conditions to see how these signaling pathways are altered during diabetes. Results will help connect basic cell changes to the problems with insulin and somatostatin secretion seen in type 2 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 2 diabetes, especially those with problems secreting insulin or with poorly controlled blood sugar, are the patient group most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without type 2 diabetes or those whose diabetes is primarily autoimmune type 1 disease are unlikely to directly benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for drugs that restore normal insulin release and improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked GPCR signaling and ion pumps to hormone release, but this precise focus on islet Na+/K+-ATPase regulation in diabetes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY — Nashville, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JACOBSON, DAVID AARON — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JACOBSON, DAVID AARON
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Animal Disease Models