Understanding how alpha cells contribute to type 1 diabetes development
Official title: Role of Alpha Cells in Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11056886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the pancreas might start to malfunction before type 1 diabetes shows up, especially in people who are at high risk due to their genes, to help find ways to delay or prevent the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $544,201 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136564-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a high genetic risk for type 1 diabetes, particularly those who test positive for specific autoantibodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to type 1 diabetes or who are already diagnosed with advanced diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of alpha cells in the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D) by examining individuals at high genetic risk. It focuses on the early dysfunction of alpha cells, particularly in those with specific autoantibodies, and how this dysfunction may lead to the onset of diabetes. The study will analyze pancreatic islets from donors to identify changes in cellular signaling and metabolism that occur before clinical symptoms appear. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to find potential intervention points to delay or prevent T1D.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for delaying or preventing the onset of type 1 diabetes in at-risk individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of autoantibodies and alpha cell dysfunction in type 1 diabetes, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doliba, Nicolai — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Doliba, Nicolai
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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.