Investigating how genetic variants affect mitochondrial function in type 2 diabetes
Official title: Type 2 diabetes risk variant effects on mitochondrial (patho)physiology
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-11105908 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific genetic differences might affect the health of insulin-producing cells in people with type 2 diabetes, with the goal of finding new ways to help prevent or treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $740,447 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136671-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105908 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes or those diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes or those without any genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain genetic variants contribute to the dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells, which are crucial for insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes (T2D). By examining mitochondrial bioenergetics, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind beta cell failure and how these genetic factors influence cellular health. The researchers will utilize advanced genomic editing techniques in human islets and mouse models to explore the relationship between genetic variations and mitochondrial function. This approach seeks to provide insights that could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating T2D.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve insulin secretion and mitochondrial health in patients with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic factors influencing diabetes, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stitzel, Michael Lee — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Stitzel, Michael Lee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Subtyping Core for Research on the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes (SCORE-T2D)
A new U01 grant from a university research team aims to understand why Type 2 diabetes differs so much between people and how to tailor prevention and treatment.
-
Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
A peer-led self-management program for adults with type 2 diabetes is being tested to see if it improves blood sugar control and daily diabetes care.
-
Alzheimer’s and dementia risk in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why some older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes develop memory problems or dementia.
-
Personalized use of newer diabetes medicines for Type 2 diabetes
Aiming to tailor use of newer glucose-lowering drugs for people with type 2 diabetes to improve health and access in real-world settings.
-
Alzheimer’s and related dementia in older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why cognitive problems occur in people 65 and older who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, using data from a long-running diabetes study to identify what drives memory and thinking decline.
-
Understanding why youth develop type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it
A nationwide study aims to unravel why some teens with obesity develop type 2 diabetes while others don’t, and to identify factors that could help prevent it.
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.