Sex, leptin, and endothelial energy in Type 1 Diabetes
Official title: Sex and Leptin control of endothelial cell glycolysis and redox balance in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11337458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how the energy use in the lining of blood vessels and the hormone leptin affect blood vessel health in people with Type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $505,582 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL160557-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes, particularly those experiencing or at risk for vascular dysfunction, could benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without Type 1 diabetes or without vascular complications may not directly benefit from this specific project.
What this research studies
The project looks at how endothelial cells manage their energy, especially glycolysis, and how this impacts vascular redox balance and vessel relaxation in Type 1 diabetes. It explores why endothelial dysfunction occurs and how female sex and leptin signaling might influence these processes. The research uses molecular and cellular methods to identify key regulators like PFKFB3 and Nox1 and tests whether inhibiting them improves blood vessel function in T1D models. The findings could reveal new targets to prevent vascular complications in people with Type 1 diabetes, especially women who may experience different risks. This work aims to translate basic biology into strategies that protect the blood vessels of patients with T1D.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of the vascular problems in Type 1 diabetes could lead to targeted therapies that improve blood vessel health and reduce cardiovascular complications.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest endothelial glycolysis influences vascular function, and inhibiting key enzymes has shown promise in restoring relaxation in T1D models, supporting translation to patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Belin de Chantemele, Eric J — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Belin de Chantemele, Eric J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How sex and leptin affect blood vessel function in Type 1 Diabetes
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels work and how they are affected by factors like sex and a hormone called leptin in people with Type 1 Diabetes, with the goal of finding ways to keep your heart and blood vessels healthier.
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Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
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This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
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A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
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How the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
Researchers are studying how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas and its proteins influence insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
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.