PAQR4's role in pancreatic beta cell function and type 2 diabetes
Official title: Novel role of PAQR4 in Pancreatic Beta Cell Function and Type 2 Diabetes
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11514654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused look at how PAQR4 may affect insulin secretion and blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $268,126 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM156679-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11514654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for adult-onset diabetes (type 2 diabetes) who may provide tissue samples or participate in related metabolic studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-diabetes metabolic disorders or those unable to provide islet tissue or participate in related metabolic studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program studies PAQR4, a receptor in fat and pancreatic cells, to see how it affects insulin release and glucose regulation in adults with type 2 diabetes. Researchers will use human islet samples and animal models to explore how PAQR4 influences ceramide levels and beta cell performance. The goal is to learn whether targeting PAQR4 could improve insulin action and help people manage their blood sugar with fewer side effects. Results could guide future therapies that protect beta cells and enhance responsiveness to existing drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to improve insulin secretion and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest PAQR4 influences ceramide metabolism and beta cell function, with animal studies showing affected insulin secretion.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Qingzhang — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Qingzhang
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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.