Understanding blood flow between different parts of the pancreas
Official title: Blood flow crosstalk between the endocrine and exocrine pancreas
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11010778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood flows between different parts of the pancreas and how they might work together, which could help us understand conditions like adult-onset diabetes better and lead to new treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 12, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $762,046 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138473-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes or other pancreatic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with isolated exocrine or endocrine pancreatic conditions without any overlap may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how blood flow between the endocrine and exocrine parts of the pancreas may be bi-directional, contrary to the traditional view that it flows only from the endocrine to the exocrine tissues. By using advanced imaging techniques and in vivo recordings, the study aims to explore the interactions between these two compartments and how they may influence each other's health. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind diseases like adult-onset diabetes and other pancreatic disorders. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their conditions and potential new treatment approaches based on these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for pancreatic diseases, particularly adult-onset diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of bi-directional blood flow in the pancreas is novel, similar approaches in other organ systems have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hara, Manami — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hara, Manami
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.