Understanding how amyloid affects insulin production in type 2 diabetes
Official title: In vivo mechanisms of amyloid-induced pancreatic islet dysfunction in type 2 diabetes
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10828301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins called amyloid deposits affect the way insulin and glucagon are released from cells in the pancreas of people with type 2 diabetes, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve their pancreatic function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX005910-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10828301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, particularly those experiencing complications related to insulin secretion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without type 2 diabetes or those with other forms of diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which amyloid deposits impact the function of pancreatic islet cells in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It focuses on how soluble amyloid oligomers, particularly islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), may disrupt insulin and glucagon secretion from beta and alpha cells. The study employs both in vitro and in vivo models to explore the role of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) in mediating these toxic effects on human islet cells. By examining these pathways, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving islet function in diabetes patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance insulin secretion and overall pancreatic function in type 2 diabetes patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of amyloid in diabetes, but this specific approach focusing on human islet cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Jordan James — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Wright, Jordan James
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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.