Investigating how changes in RNA processing may contribute to diabetes
Official title: Alternative polyadenylation as a novel mechanism for diabetes
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11097364 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes might affect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in people who are obese, focusing on a process that helps control gene activity, and the goal is to find new ways to prevent or treat diabetes based on individual genetic differences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $845,042 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136940-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097364 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include obese individuals who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly those with a family history of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or do not have a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the genetic factors that influence the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in obese individuals, focusing on a specific RNA processing mechanism called alternative polyadenylation. By analyzing genetic variants associated with T2D, the study aims to understand how these variants affect the length of non-coding RNA sequences, which in turn may impact gene expression and insulin production. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new prevention or treatment strategies for diabetes based on their genetic makeup.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized approaches for preventing or managing type 2 diabetes in at-risk individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding genetic factors in diabetes, but the specific approach of targeting alternative polyadenylation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Qin — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Yang, Qin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Bringing WHO HEARTS-D diabetes care into Bangladesh cities
A program to help urban clinics in Bangladesh adopt WHO HEARTS-D guidelines to improve detection, treatment, and control of type 2 diabetes.
-
AI-powered fundus imaging to screen for type 2 diabetes
A mobile AI tool uses eye images to help screen adults for type 2 diabetes in clinics or communities.
-
AI-powered eye imaging to screen for type 2 diabetes with a mobile phone
A plan to use AI on smartphone retinal images to help spot type 2 diabetes early, especially in people who may not have easy access to care.
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.