Investigating the role of copper and its proteins in metabolic diseases linked to insulin resistance
Official title: Copper and copper-binding proteins in insulin resistance-associated metabolic disease
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10846651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how copper and certain proteins in the body might play a role in insulin resistance and conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and it's for people with diabetes and healthy individuals to help find new ways to manage these health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $464,904 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133331-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with insulin resistance, diabetes, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without insulin resistance or related metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how copper and copper-binding proteins contribute to insulin resistance and related metabolic diseases, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study involves screening diabetic individuals and healthy controls to identify differences in plasma protein levels and liver gene expression. By examining the role of ceruloplasmin, a copper-binding protein, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that link insulin resistance with NAFLD, which affects a significant portion of the population and is associated with serious health risks. The findings could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for insulin resistance and NAFLD, improving health outcomes for millions of affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between ceruloplasmin levels and metabolic diseases, suggesting that this approach has potential based on existing findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miao, Ji — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Miao, Ji
Related research
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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.