RNA editing in islet function and inflammation
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11617683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how a natural RNA editing process affects the cells in the pancreas that control sugar, with potential links to inflammation and autoimmune diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 22, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $97,632 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DK133442-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for autoimmune islet inflammation and type 1 diabetes–related beta cell dysfunction could be relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without islet inflammation or autoimmune risk are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers will explore how adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing by ADAR enzymes impacts alpha and beta cells in the islets of the pancreas. They will examine how changes in RNA editing influence the cellular response to double-stranded RNA and the interferon inflammatory pathways that could affect islet function. The study combines laboratory analyses of human islet cells with genetic information related to type 1 diabetes risk to understand potential mechanisms of inflammation and autoimmunity in the pancreas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new targets to prevent inflammation and preserve beta cell function in people at risk for type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows RNA editing can modulate immune responses; this study applies that concept specifically to human islet cells, which is a novel focus in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powers, Alvin C — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Powers, Alvin C
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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.