Improving Stem Cell-Derived Beta Cells for Diabetes Treatment
Studying the Role of the Microenvironment on Differentiation and Maturation of Beta Cells
This work aims to create better insulin-producing cells from stem cells to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098750 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For people with diabetes, the body's beta cells, which make insulin, are either damaged or not working correctly, making it hard to control blood sugar. While transplanting donor beta cells can help, there aren't enough available, and they can be inconsistent. Our goal is to understand how to guide human stem cells to become fully mature, high-quality insulin-producing cells. By improving these lab-grown cells, we hope to develop a reliable source for future diabetes cell replacement therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients with brittle diabetes mellitus who might benefit from advanced cell replacement therapies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial will not find benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new and more effective cell replacement therapy for people with diabetes, potentially reducing their reliance on insulin injections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown success in restoring normal blood sugar in diabetic mice using these stem cell-derived islets, but further improvements are needed for human use.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Millman, Jeffrey Robert — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Millman, Jeffrey Robert
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.