Investigating how a protein in psoriasis may lead to diabetes
Official title: Role of IFN kappa in psoriasis-mediated diabetes development
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11078495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how psoriasis might increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by exploring a protein called interferon kappa, which is higher in people with psoriasis, and how it affects inflammation and metabolism, with the goal of finding new treatment options for those dealing with both conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DK133828-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078495 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with psoriasis who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without psoriasis or those who do not have a risk of developing diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, and the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It focuses on the role of interferon kappa (IFNκ), a protein that is elevated in psoriasis, and how it may contribute to inflammation and metabolic changes that lead to diabetes. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms involved, particularly how certain signaling pathways affect the expression of IFNκ in skin cells and its impact on inflammatory cells in the body. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research hopes to provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for patients with both psoriasis and diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help manage or prevent diabetes in patients with psoriasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the inflammatory pathways in psoriasis can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolf-Fortune, Sonya J — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wolf-Fortune, Sonya J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Role of a skin protein in psoriasis-related diabetes
A study explores how a skin inflammation signal may contribute to developing type 2 diabetes in people with psoriasis.
-
Understanding the link between psoriasis and diabetes
This research explores how psoriasis might increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Bringing WHO HEARTS-D diabetes care into Bangladesh cities
A program to help urban clinics in Bangladesh adopt WHO HEARTS-D guidelines to improve detection, treatment, and control of type 2 diabetes.
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.