NIH-funded research R15 grant

Investigating how microRNA-483 affects pancreatic beta-cell function and identity

Official title: microRNA-483 regulation of pancreatic beta-cell function and identity

Funded at Michigan Technological University · NIH-10580237 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a tiny molecule called microRNA-483 helps keep the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas healthy, and it aims to find out what happens when this molecule is missing, which could help us discover new ways to manage type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan Technological University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houghton, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$404,303
NIH project number1R15DK134992-01
Project IDNIH-10580237 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, particularly those experiencing challenges related to beta-cell function.

Less likely to help

Patients with type 1 diabetes or those without any form of diabetes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of microRNA-483 in maintaining the function and identity of pancreatic beta-cells, which are crucial for insulin production. The study aims to uncover how the loss of this microRNA leads to beta-cell dedifferentiation, a process that contributes to the progression of type 2 diabetes. By using animal models, researchers will analyze the effects of miR-483 deletion on beta-cell health and function, particularly in relation to oxidative stress and cellular viability. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic targets for diabetes management.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving beta-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting microRNAs can influence cellular processes in diabetes, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Michigan Technological University
    Houghton, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tang, Xiaoqing — Michigan Technological University
  • Study coordinator: Tang, Xiaoqing

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • TinyML-powered closed-loop DBS for Parkinson's disease

    A small, energy-efficient brain-stimulation system using lightweight AI runs on an implanted device to adapt DBS in real time for people with Parkinson's disease.

    NIH research Michigan Technological University · Houghton, United States · NIH-11444690

  • Understanding how metalloenzymes work and move

    Scientists are studying metal-containing enzymes to learn how their metal centers and surrounding parts make them powerful in cells and how this knowledge could inform better medicines.

    NIH research Michigan Technological University · Houghton, United States · NIH-11360567

  • Developing a new way to make influenza vaccines more effectively.

    This study is exploring a new way to make flu vaccines using cell technology instead of eggs, which could help create vaccines faster and make them work better, so people can get a more effective and affordable flu shot.

    NIH research Michigan Technological University · Houghton, United States · NIH-11186865

  • A new tool for studying cells and biomaterials at the nanoscale

    This study is creating a special microscope that helps scientists see and measure tiny parts of cells and materials, making it easier to understand how they work, and it's designed to support researchers who want to learn how to use it.

    NIH research Michigan Technological University · Houghton, United States · NIH-11102242

  • How the orexin system affects high blood pressure

    This study is looking at how a brain system called the orexin system affects high blood pressure that can be worsened by eating too much salt, and it's aimed at helping people with this condition find better ways to manage it.

    NIH research Michigan Technological University · Houghton, United States · NIH-11061045

  • Understanding how cells detect the stiffness of their environment

    This study is looking at how cells feel the stiffness of their surroundings, which is important for how they grow and move, and it aims to learn more about the proteins involved in this process to help us understand diseases related to cell behavior.

    NIH research Michigan Technological University · Houghton, United States · NIH-11037306

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.