NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating a key pathway involved in diabetes complications

Official title: Probing an Unexplored Intracellular Pathway in Diabetes Pathogenesis

Funded at Lankenau Institute for Medical Research · NIH-10766705 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a substance called 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG) affects people with diabetes, especially in causing kidney problems, and it's using mice to find out more about it so that new treatments can be developed to help manage diabetes better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLankenau Institute for Medical Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Wynnewood, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2022
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$515,870
NIH project number5R01DK131173-03
Project IDNIH-10766705 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with type-2 diabetes, particularly those experiencing complications such as diabetic nephropathy.

Less likely to help

Patients without diabetes or those with type-1 diabetes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how a specific compound, 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG), contributes to diabetes complications by damaging cells and inflaming blood vessels. The study aims to measure the levels of 3DG in tissues and explore its relationship with diabetic nephropathy using a mouse model of type-2 diabetes. Researchers are also developing new methods to study an enzyme that may help repair damaged proteins but also produces 3DG. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving diabetes management.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments that reduce complications associated with diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of advanced glycation end products in diabetes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Lankenau Institute for Medical Research
    Wynnewood, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Prendergast, George C — Lankenau Institute for Medical Research
  • Study coordinator: Prendergast, George C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.