Misfolded insulin and disrupted insulin signaling

Insulin Misfolding Dynamics and Insulin Signaling Dysfunction

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MC LAUGHLIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11376480

This project looks at whether misshapen (misfolded) insulin interferes with insulin action in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMC LAUGHLIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (GREAT FALLS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11376480 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will examine the shape and stability of the insulin protein to see if it becomes misfolded and stops working properly. They will use laboratory assays that detect misfolded insulin and test how insulin forms clumps (fibrillizes) under conditions linked to type 2 diabetes. Experiments will include preclinical work using animal models to mimic disease-related stresses on insulin. This is lab- and animal-based research and does not currently involve testing treatments in people.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes, particularly those with insulin resistance or who use injectable insulin, would be the most relevant group for future human studies based on this work.

Not a fit: People without type 2 diabetes and likely those with autoimmune type 1 diabetes may not directly benefit from these findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If confirmed, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat insulin resistance by targeting or preventing insulin misfolding.

How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown insulin can form misfolded aggregates, but applying these findings to the causes and treatment of human type 2 diabetes is a relatively new area.

Where this research is happening

GREAT FALLS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.