Protecting insulin-producing cells by targeting ST8Sia6
Inhibition of autoimmune diabetes by ST8Sia6
This project aims to stop immune attacks on insulin-making beta cells in people with type 1 diabetes by targeting a molecule called ST8Sia6.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290722 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is studying how ST8Sia6, a molecule that changes sugar decorations on cells, can calm the immune response that destroys insulin-producing beta cells. They will use laboratory experiments, animal models, and likely donated human tissues or samples to test whether changing ST8Sia6 activity protects transplanted or native beta cells. The overall goal is to develop a local immunotherapy that shields grafts without putting the whole immune system at risk. Findings would guide next steps toward treatments people could receive in clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 diabetes, particularly those considering islet transplantation or future cell-replacement therapies, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with type 2 diabetes or conditions not caused by autoimmune beta cell destruction are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that protect transplanted or regenerated beta cells without requiring long-term whole-body immunosuppression.
How similar studies have performed: Related strategies that alter sialic-acid interactions or engage inhibitory immune receptors have shown promise in animal models, but targeting ST8Sia6 specifically is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shapiro, Virginia Smith — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Shapiro, Virginia Smith
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.