Understanding how aging affects insulin-producing cells in diabetes
Official title: Elucidating and targeting beta-cell senescence and its SASP
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11085210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects the cells in your pancreas that make insulin, especially for people with type 2 diabetes, and it hopes to find ways to help these cells work better again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $427,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132535-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing type 2 diabetes or related metabolic issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without type 2 diabetes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts pancreatic beta-cells, which are essential for insulin production and glucose regulation. It focuses on the phenomenon of beta-cell senescence, where these cells lose their function due to stress and aging, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes. The study aims to identify the underlying mechanisms of this process and explore potential therapeutic targets to restore beta-cell function. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for diabetes as the research progresses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve insulin production and glucose control in older adults with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cellular senescence to improve metabolic function, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aguayo-Mazzucato, Cristina — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Aguayo-Mazzucato, Cristina
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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.