Protecting insulin-making beta cells by blocking BET proteins
Biochemical mechanisms of beta cell protection through bromodomain inhibition
Seeing if drugs that block BET bromodomains can protect insulin-making beta cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323550 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how three related proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4) control how insulin-producing beta cells respond to inflammation in type 1 diabetes. Researchers will test different ways of blocking the BET bromodomains to see whether that reduces harmful inflammation or helps beta cells keep their identity and survival. The work uses lab-grown beta cells and mouse models (including the NOD diabetes model) to measure gene activity, cell function, and survival. The team aims to find more targeted ways to protect beta cells without the broad side effects seen with pan-BET inhibitors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 diabetes, especially those early in disease or willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People with long-standing type 1 diabetes who no longer have remaining beta cells, or people with type 2 diabetes, are less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to targeted therapies that protect or preserve beta cells and slow the progression of type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Broad BET inhibitors have reduced inflammation and delayed diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse models, but selective, bromodomain- and cell-type-specific targeting in beta cells is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Brian Christopher — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Smith, Brian Christopher
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.