NIH-funded research Career grant

Investigating how tau phosphorylation affects nerve damage in diabetes

Official title: The Role of Tau Phosphorylation in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10980022 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into how problems with insulin and a protein called tau affect nerve health in people with Type 1 Diabetes, with the hope of finding new ways to ease the pain and improve life for those dealing with diabetic nerve issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$207,960
NIH project number1K99DK142197-01A1
Project IDNIH-10980022 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who are experiencing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Less likely to help

Patients without diabetes or those with other forms of neuropathy unrelated to diabetes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a painful condition affecting many individuals with diabetes. The study will explore how insulin dysregulation and tau phosphorylation contribute to nerve dysfunction in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Using advanced techniques like high content microscopy and specific inhibitors, researchers aim to identify changes in tau levels and their impact on nerve health. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies that could alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce pain and improve nerve function in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of tau phosphorylation in other neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Nichols, James M — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Nichols, James M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Gut bacterial vesicles and diabetic nerve damage

    This work looks at whether tiny particles released by gut bacteria can protect nerves and ease numbness and pain in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

    NIH research Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · East Lansing, United States · NIH-11286790

  • Restoring sensation in amputated limbs for veterans with diabetic neuropathy

    This study is looking to help veterans who have lost lower limbs due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy by using special electrodes to create sensations that feel like they're coming from their missing foot, which could improve their daily activities and overall limb health.

    NIH research Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11262790

  • Wearable vibration to improve movement and reduce pain in diabetic nerve damage

    A wearable vibration device is tested for four weeks to help adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy walk better and experience less pain.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11226229

  • Improving walking and reducing foot pressure for people with diabetic nerve damage

    This project tries real-time biofeedback to change how adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy walk so they have lower harmful foot pressure and better walking speed.

    NIH research Florida Institu /human/machine Cognition · Pensacola, United States · NIH-11168786

  • Exploring how gut bacteria affect nerve damage in diabetes

    This study is looking at how tiny particles from gut bacteria might help protect nerves in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is a common issue for those with diabetes, and it hopes to find new ways to improve nerve health through better gut health.

    NIH research Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · East Lansing, United States · NIH-11046549

  • New treatment for painful diabetic nerve damage using cannabidiol and palmitoylethanolamide tablets

    This study is testing a new type of tablet that combines two ingredients to help relieve pain for people with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, aiming to provide relief without the side effects of regular pain medications.

    NIH research Pure Green Pharmaceuticals, INC. · West Bloomfield, United States · NIH-10932267

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.