Investigating how autophagy affects blood vessel function in Type 2 diabetes

Role of Autophagy in Type 2 Diabetes Microvascular Dysfunction

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11103698

This study is looking at how a process that helps keep your blood vessels healthy might be affected in people with Type 2 diabetes, and how this could lead to problems with small blood vessels; it's designed for anyone interested in understanding more about diabetes and its complications.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11103698 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the role of autophagy, a cellular process that helps maintain healthy blood vessels, in the context of Type 2 diabetes. The study aims to understand how reduced autophagic activity may contribute to microvascular dysfunction, which is a common complication in individuals with diabetes. Using advanced techniques like laser Doppler flux and microdialysis, researchers will assess blood flow responses in small blood vessels and how these may be altered in diabetes. The project is supported by a team of experienced mentors who will guide the research process.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients without Type 2 diabetes or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving blood vessel health in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting autophagy can improve vascular function in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.