Investigating how Nrf2 helps maintain and grow insulin-producing beta cells
Official title: Nrf2 and the expansion and preservation of beta cell mass
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11057606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Nrf2 helps protect and grow the insulin-producing cells in your body, which are important for managing diabetes, and it aims to find new ways to boost this protein to improve your health, especially when your body is under stress from things like a high-calorie diet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $662,227 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139631-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057606 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are experiencing challenges related to beta cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those whose beta cell function is not compromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Nrf2, a key regulator of antioxidant enzymes, in preserving and expanding the mass of insulin-producing beta cells, which are crucial for managing diabetes. The team will explore how Nrf2 protects these cells from oxidative stress and how various treatments can enhance its activation. By examining the interactions between Nrf2 and other signaling pathways, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve beta cell function and survival, especially under stress conditions like high caloric intake. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative diabetes treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the survival and function of insulin-producing beta cells in diabetes patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing beta cell function through similar mechanisms, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, Donald K. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Scott, Donald K.
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.