Investigating biomarkers in type 1 diabetes using beta-cell-specific extracellular vesicles
Characterization of beta-cell-specific extracellular vesicle cargo as functional biomarkers for type I DM disease
This study is looking at how tiny particles in your blood can help us spot early signs of type 1 diabetes and understand how the immune system affects insulin-producing cells, which could lead to better ways to detect and track the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10910252 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding type 1 diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune condition that leads to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The study aims to identify specific markers found in extracellular vesicles that can indicate early signs of T1D and track its progression. By analyzing these vesicles in the bloodstream, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms behind the immune response that damages beta cells. This could lead to better detection methods for pre-clinical T1D and improved monitoring of the disease's trajectory.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults under 11 years old who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients with type 2 diabetes or other non-autoimmune forms of diabetes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of type 1 diabetes, potentially reducing complications associated with the disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles as biomarkers in other metabolic diseases, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in type 1 diabetes.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Das, Saumya — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Das, Saumya
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.