Investigating how trefoil factor proteins affect insulin-producing beta cells.
Official title: Role of trefoil factor family proteins in beta cell function.
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10984478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the pancreas might help keep insulin-producing cells healthy, which could lead to new treatments for type 2 diabetes, especially in kids and young adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | January 20, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $511,289 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134652-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984478 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children, teens, and young adults at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes or those who do not have any form of diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of trefoil factor family proteins in the function of beta cells, which are crucial for insulin production. Researchers will explore how these proteins, secreted by the pancreas, may influence beta cell health and contribute to conditions like type 2 diabetes, particularly in children and young adults. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved, the study aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve beta cell function and overall glucose regulation. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments for diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve beta cell function and help manage or prevent type 2 diabetes in patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of trefoil factors in other tissues has been studied, this specific investigation into their impact on beta cell function is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ku, Hsun Teresa — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Ku, Hsun Teresa
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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.