Investigating how alpha cells contribute to insulin production during pregnancy
Official title: Alpha cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Maternal Insulin Production
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10838577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the pancreas help produce more insulin during pregnancy, which is important for the baby's growth, and it aims to find out how these cells work and are influenced by hormones, with the hope of improving care for women with gestational diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD112143-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10838577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant, particularly those at risk for gestational diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who have already been diagnosed with gestational diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of pancreatic alpha cells in increasing insulin production during pregnancy, which is crucial for meeting the nutritional needs of the developing fetus. It focuses on how these cells adapt and produce glucagon-like protein 1 (GLP-1), which aids in insulin secretion. By studying extracellular vesicles produced by these cells, the research aims to uncover additional mechanisms that support insulin production and how placental hormones influence this process. The findings could lead to better understanding and management of gestational diabetes and related complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve insulin production in pregnant women, potentially reducing the risk of gestational diabetes and its complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the role of alpha cells and GLP-1 in insulin production, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shao, Jianhua — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Shao, Jianhua
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.