Investigating how cytokines affect pancreatic beta-cell function in diabetes

GRASP55 Regulates Pancreatic Beta-cell Golgi Structure and Function During Cytokine Stress

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11076621

This study is looking at how certain proteins in the body can affect the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which is important for people with Type 1 Diabetes, and aims to find ways to help protect these cells from damage during the disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11076621 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the impact of proinflammatory cytokines on the structure and function of pancreatic beta-cells, which are crucial for insulin production. The study aims to explore how these cytokines disrupt the Golgi apparatus within beta-cells, leading to early defects in their ability to secrete insulin. By examining the role of a specific protein, GRASP55, the researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that contribute to the progression of Type 1 Diabetes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies to protect beta-cell function during autoimmune attacks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition due to autoimmune factors.

Not a fit: Patients with Type 2 Diabetes or other forms of diabetes unrelated to autoimmune processes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that preserve pancreatic beta-cell function in patients with Type 1 Diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cytokine effects on beta-cell function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

IOWA CITY, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: adult onset diabetes, Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Brittle Diabetes Mellitus, cell injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.