Tiny cell antennae that help islet hormones work together
Paracrine regulation of islet cell function by primary cilia
Researchers are looking at how tiny antenna-like structures on pancreatic islet cells help insulin, glucagon, and other hormones coordinate to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11397428 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models where primary cilia (tiny antennae) on specific islet cells are removed to see how that changes hormone signaling and cell-to-cell communication. Scientists will apply advanced imaging and biochemical tests on isolated islets to track hormone release and how neighboring cells respond. The team will focus on alpha-cell signals (glucagon and GLP-1) and beta-cell signals (insulin and serotonin) to map how cilia mediate paracrine signaling. Understanding these mechanisms aims to explain why islet cell coordination fails in adult-onset diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll people; adults with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes could be future candidates for follow-up human studies or trials based on these findings.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes, children, or patients needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for therapies that restore hormone coordination and improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies suggest primary cilia influence islet signaling, but translating those findings into human therapies is novel and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, Jing Wang — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hughes, Jing Wang
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.