Understanding heart disease in type 1 diabetes through fat and blood vessel cells

Single-cell, multi-omic investigation of epicardial adipose and coronary endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11194469

This research explores how fat around the heart and blood vessel cells contribute to heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11194469 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Heart disease is a major concern for individuals with type 1 diabetes, and this project aims to uncover why. We are looking closely at the fat surrounding the heart and the cells lining the coronary arteries, as these areas may become unhealthy in type 1 diabetes. By studying these cells at a very detailed level, we hope to understand how they become dysfunctional and release harmful signals. This work could help us find new ways to protect the heart in people living with type 1 diabetes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with type 1 diabetes who are at risk for or have developed cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients without type 1 diabetes or those not at risk for cardiovascular complications may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of heart disease in type 1 diabetes, potentially identifying new targets for prevention or treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While the link between epicardial fat and coronary disease in type 1 diabetes is emerging, this project uses novel single-cell techniques to explore these mechanisms in unprecedented detail.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.