Targeting Sorbs2 to restore BK channel function in the coronary arteries of people with type 1 diabetes
Sorbs2 targeting and BK channel regulation in the coronary artery of patients with type 1 diabetes
This project looks at whether targeting a protein called Sorbs2 can improve BK channel function in the coronary arteries of people with type 1 diabetes to help protect heart blood flow.
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-11406138 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have type 1 diabetes, this project studies how a protein called Sorbs2 affects ion channels (BK channels) in the muscle of coronary arteries. The team will use human coronary artery tissue, molecular lab experiments, and mouse models to see how Sorbs2 controls BK channel levels and function. They will compare tissues from people with and without type 1 diabetes and manipulate Sorbs2 to measure effects on artery cell function. The goal is to find whether changing Sorbs2 can correct the artery muscle problems that harm blood flow to the heart.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 1 diabetes, especially those with signs or risk factors for coronary artery disease, are the main group this work is intended to help.
Not a fit: People without type 1 diabetes or whose heart problems come from unrelated causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that protect coronary blood flow and lower heart disease risk in people with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown BK channel dysfunction in diabetes, but targeting Sorbs2 is a novel approach supported mainly by preliminary lab and mouse data with limited testing in human tissues so far.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Tong — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Lu, Tong
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.