RNA m6A changes that age insulin-making beta cells in diabetes
Official title: Interrogating the role of m6A mRNA methylation in the aging of the β-cell and diabetes
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11311848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores whether changes in a common RNA chemical mark called m6A cause aging and loss of function in insulin-producing beta cells in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DK135927-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (age 21+) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who are willing to provide samples or consider participation in related tissue-collection or future therapeutic studies would be most relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People without diabetes or those whose diabetes has already destroyed most beta cells are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers will map m6A chemical marks on RNA from human insulin-producing (beta) cells across ages and diabetes status to see which messages are altered with aging. They will combine bioinformatics with lab experiments to test how the m6A 'eraser' protein ALKBH5 and related pathways affect DNA-damage responses and cellular senescence in beta cells. Laboratory models and viral tools will be used to change m6A levels and observe whether that slows or reverses beta-cell aging and dysfunction. The team aims to identify m6A-regulated genes that could be future targets to protect or restore beta-cell function in diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to slow or reverse beta-cell aging and help preserve insulin production in people with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Early laboratory studies link m6A to beta-cell health and aging, but targeting m6A as a therapy is largely new and has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: F de Jesus, Dario — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: F de Jesus, Dario
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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.