Understanding how beta cells die in type 1 diabetes
Official title: Studying the mechanisms of initiation and progression of Beta cell death in T1D
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11059413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how the immune system affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes by using a special lab setup that mimics the pancreas, helping researchers learn more about why these cells die and how to protect them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,232,846 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DK142188-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, particularly those willing to provide samples for the study.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 2 diabetes or other forms of diabetes unrelated to autoimmune mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the death of beta cells in type 1 diabetes (T1D) using advanced microfluidic technology to create a vascularized micro-endocrine pancreas on a chip. By utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from T1D patients and healthy controls, the study aims to develop a fully compatible system that allows for the introduction of immune cells to observe their effects on beta cells. The research will involve creating various cell types, including endocrine cells and immune cells, and testing their functionality and responses to inflammation in a controlled environment. This innovative approach seeks to provide insights into the immune attack on beta cells, which is crucial for understanding T1D progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving beta cell function and improving treatment options for patients with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of microfluidic platforms in diabetes research is a growing field, this specific approach of creating a fully syngeneic system with immune cell interaction is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teyton, Luc — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Teyton, Luc
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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.