Understanding how beta cell sensors work in diabetes
Metabolic signaling of the beta cell primary cilium
This work explores how tiny sensors on pancreatic beta cells help them respond to sugar, which is important for people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11361320 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells have tiny antennae called primary cilia that act like sensors, detecting changes in their surroundings. Recent findings suggest these cilia play a crucial role in metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes, especially on the beta cells in your pancreas. When these cilia are not working correctly, beta cells struggle to release insulin and manage blood sugar. This project aims to uncover the specific ways these beta cell cilia sense sugar and send signals, which is currently not well understood.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for anyone interested in the basic mechanisms of diabetes and how pancreatic beta cells function.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical participation will not find a direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and potentially treat diabetes by targeting these important beta cell sensors.
How similar studies have performed: While the general role of cilia in development is known, their specific functions in beta cell glucose sensing and signaling in diabetes are newly recognized and largely unexplored.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, Jing Wang — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hughes, Jing Wang
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 below.