How the protein CREG1 affects blood sugar control

Role of CREG1 in metabolic homeostasis

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11291814

This work looks at whether changes in the protein CREG1 cause insulin resistance or reduce insulin release in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11291814 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you have type 2 diabetes, this project aims to explain whether lower or absent CREG1 makes insulin less effective and reduces insulin secretion. Researchers will use lab-grown liver and pancreatic cells and genetically modified mice where CREG1 is turned off or increased to track insulin receptor recycling and insulin granule movement. They will use CRISPR gene tools and viral methods to change CREG1 levels and study the effects, including how a high-fat diet alters CREG1. The goal is to link basic cell and animal findings to mechanisms that matter for human blood sugar control.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes or people at high risk for insulin resistance are the population most likely to benefit from findings derived from this work.

Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes or diabetes caused primarily by non–insulin-resistance mechanisms may not benefit directly from these results.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to boost insulin action or protect insulin-producing cells for people with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies have shown CREG1 affects insulin signaling and glucose control, but translating these findings into human treatments remains untested.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.