Investigating how a specific protein affects pancreatic beta cell health in diabetes
Official title: Role of UPR transducer Xbp1 in Pancreatic Beta Cell Survival and Function under Metabolic Stress
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11159865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Xbp1 to see how it helps keep the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas healthy, especially when faced with challenges like obesity and aging, and the goal is to find new ways to help manage or prevent type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $444,867 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK140109-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, particularly those experiencing metabolic stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes or those not experiencing metabolic stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called Xbp1 in the survival and function of pancreatic beta cells, which are crucial for insulin production. The study aims to explore how metabolic stress, such as obesity and aging, leads to the deterioration of these cells in type 2 diabetes. By examining the mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response, the researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve beta cell function and prevent diabetes progression. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for managing or preventing type 2 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance pancreatic beta cell function and improve diabetes management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the unfolded protein response in diabetes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Yingfeng — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Deng, Yingfeng
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.