Leptin and pancreatic delta cell function
Leptin regulation of delta cell function
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11352474
This research looks at how the hormone leptin changes signaling in pancreatic delta cells to help people with type 2 diabetes keep blood sugar more stable.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11352474 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how leptin causes pancreatic delta cells to release somatostatin and how that affects nearby insulin- and glucagon-producing cells. They will work with human and mouse pancreatic islets and use experiments that turn the leptin receptor on or off specifically in delta cells. The team will measure hormone release and the signaling steps inside cells to see how leptin-driven somatostatin changes glucose-regulating hormones. Results may point to new ways to rebalance islet hormones in people with type 2 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related sample collection or future trials would include adults with type 2 diabetes or people willing to donate pancreatic tissue or blood for research.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or those looking for immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that restore normal hormone balance in the pancreas and improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows leptin can change insulin and glucagon levels, but targeting leptin signaling specifically in delta cells is a newer approach with promising early data.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COX, RICHARD A — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: COX, RICHARD A
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 below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus