Understanding how cell recycling affects Type 1 Diabetes development
Official title: Characterizing the Role of Autophagy in Type 1 Diabetes Development
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11071594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural recycling process in our cells might affect the health of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which could help us find new ways to treat Type 1 Diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 14, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,678 |
| NIH project number | 1F30DK142522-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk for developing Type 1 Diabetes or have early signs of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those with established Type 1 Diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of autophagy, a cellular recycling process, in the development of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). It focuses on how defects in this process may lead to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. By studying mice with specific genetic modifications, the researchers aim to understand how impaired autophagy affects beta cell health, immune responses, and the formation of proteins that may trigger autoimmune reactions. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for T1D.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect beta cells and slow or prevent the onset of Type 1 Diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting cellular processes like autophagy for various autoimmune diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Austin, Matthew — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Austin, Matthew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
A two-arm study in adults with type 1 diabetes tests whether high-tech glucose control plus education or targeted training can help people regain awareness of low blood sugar.
-
Techniques for restoring awareness of low blood sugar in adults with type 1 diabetes
A randomized trial compares different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is dipping so they can act quickly.
-
Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
-
Helping people with type 1 diabetes regain awareness of dangerous lows
A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
-
How the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
Researchers are studying how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas and its proteins influence insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
-
Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
This study will look at adults with type 1 diabetes to see how their awareness of low blood sugar evolves over time and whether automated insulin delivery and high-intensity exercise can help restore that awareness.
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.