Investigating how ceramides affect pancreatic beta cells in diabetes
The Role of Ceramides in the Pancreatic Beta Cell
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · NIH-11086018
This study is looking at how a type of fat called ceramides affects the cells in your pancreas that make insulin, and it aims to find out if changing ceramide levels can help prevent or treat diabetes, possibly leading to new medications that improve insulin production.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF UTAH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11086018 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of ceramides, a type of lipid, in the function of pancreatic beta cells, which are crucial for insulin production. By using advanced mouse models, the researchers will explore how manipulating ceramide levels can either prevent or cause diabetes. They will also test new drugs that inhibit ceramide production to see if these can improve insulin secretion and protect against diabetes. This work aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms linking ceramides to diabetes and potentially lead to new treatment options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have diabetes or are not at risk for developing diabetes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes by targeting ceramide levels.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using ceramide inhibitors in animal models, suggesting potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF UTAH — SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUMMERS, SCOTT A — UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- Study coordinator: SUMMERS, SCOTT A
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 below.
Conditions: adult onset diabetes, Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus