Understanding how alcohol affects pancreatic cell health
Official title: Novel mechanisms of regulating endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis in alcoholic pancreatitis
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10742433 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol affects the health of your pancreas and aims to find ways to protect it from damage, which could help prevent problems like pancreatitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $406,852 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA030617-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10742433 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who consume alcohol heavily but do not currently have pancreatitis or those who have experienced mild pancreatic issues related to alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with severe alcoholic pancreatitis or those who do not consume alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how alcohol consumption impacts the health of pancreatic cells, particularly focusing on the mechanisms that help these cells maintain balance and function despite the stress caused by alcohol. It explores the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in pancreatic cells and how disruptions in its function can lead to conditions like pancreatitis. The study uses experimental models to observe changes in cell behavior and the protective mechanisms that may prevent damage from alcohol. By understanding these processes, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing alcohol-related pancreatic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating alcoholic pancreatitis, improving outcomes for individuals affected by alcohol use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular responses to alcohol, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into alcohol-related pancreatic conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Wen-Xing — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ding, Wen-Xing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Chronic Pancreatitis and Related Conditions Data Center Supports Multi-Center Research
A national effort to organize and share clinical data and biosamples from people with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatogenic diabetes, and pancreatic cancer to speed biomarker discovery and new treatments.
-
Lymphatic roles in pancreatitis and recovery
This project looks at how the lymphatic system influences inflammation and healing in pancreatitis, using mouse models to identify new therapeutic targets.
-
Diabetes after acute pancreatitis: understanding and tracking progression
A patient-focused look at how diabetes can develop after an episode of acute pancreatitis, using data from a large, ongoing study and AI insights.
-
Continuation of Type 1 Diabetes in Acute Pancreatitis: UF Health and AdventHealth
A patient-facing overview of a long-term study tracking people with acute pancreatitis to understand how some develop type 1 diabetes later and what factors influence that process.
-
Data Coordinating Center for Type 1 Diabetes in Acute Pancreatitis Consortium
A national effort to learn how pancreatitis-related Type 1 diabetes develops, by tracking patients and coordinating data to improve future care.
-
Diabetes after acute pancreatitis: a patient-focused network study
A program at Indiana University is studying how diabetes can develop after an acute pancreatitis episode, with new findings that could help doctors tailor care for adults who had pancreatitis.
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.