Role of the pancreas environment in protecting islet cells in type 1 diabetes
Official title: The Role of the Pancreas Microenvironment in Regulating Islet Function and Survival in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at Colorado School of Mines · NIH-11358388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project is exploring how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas affects the survival and function of insulin-producing beta cells in type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado School of Mines NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Golden, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $352,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137221-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with type 1 diabetes or individuals at risk who may donate samples or participate in related future studies.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without autoimmunity are not the primary target for direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at the tiny environment around pancreatic islets and how it changes when immune attack begins in type 1 diabetes. By studying 3-D models and specific enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, researchers aim to understand why beta cells die and how inflammation progresses. The work involves examining how stressed beta cells interact with surrounding laminin-10 and how this affects insulin secretion and cell survival. The findings could reveal targets to preserve islet function and slow disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new ways to protect beta cells and sustain insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data and prior studies suggest that ECM remodeling and laminin interactions influence beta-cell survival and function, supporting the potential for meaningful progress.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farnsworth, Nikki L. — Colorado School of Mines
- Study coordinator: Farnsworth, Nikki L.
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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.