Understanding how a protein affects pancreatic cell health in diabetes
Official title: 14-3-3-zeta regulation of islet health
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10858332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called 14-3-3ζ to see how it helps keep the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas healthy, which could lead to new ways to improve insulin release and manage blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,545 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139200-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10858332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus who may benefit from new therapeutic approaches targeting pancreatic islet function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes or those without any form of diabetes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the protein 14-3-3ζ in regulating the health of pancreatic islet cells, which are crucial for insulin production and glucose management. By studying how this protein influences both alpha and beta cells, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that could improve insulin secretion and overall islet function. The approach involves analyzing cellular responses in both mouse and human islet cells to understand how manipulating this protein can enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and the production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion and islet cell function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating similar cellular pathways to improve islet function, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cummings, Bethany Paige — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Cummings, Bethany Paige
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.