Investigating how autophagy affects blood vessel function in Type 2 diabetes
Official title: Role of Autophagy in Type 2 Diabetes Microvascular Dysfunction
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11103698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,998 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HL161491-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103698 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Type 2 diabetes or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, William E — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Hughes, William E
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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.