Understanding how cells make insulin in diabetes
Metabolic control of beta-cell secretory organelle function
This work explores how the cells that produce insulin in the body stop working correctly in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126690 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When someone has Type 2 diabetes, the cells in their pancreas that make insulin, called beta-cells, don't work as well as they should. This can lead to problems with how insulin is made, stored, and released, which makes it harder for the body to control blood sugar. Our team is looking into specific changes within these beta-cells, particularly how a part of the cell called the ER becomes unbalanced, which seems to prevent insulin from being made properly. By understanding these cellular changes, we hope to find new ways to help these cells work better again. This could lead to new treatments that restore the body's natural ability to produce insulin.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is focused on understanding the cellular mechanisms of Type 2 diabetes and is not currently recruiting patients for direct participation.
Not a fit: Patients not diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or related insulin resistance conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that restore the function of insulin-producing cells, potentially improving blood sugar control for people with Type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanism of ER redox homeostasis in beta-cell dysfunction is a novel focus, other studies have highlighted the importance of beta-cell health in Type 2 diabetes.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stephens, Samuel Brandon — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Stephens, Samuel Brandon
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.