Understanding how cystic fibrosis affects insulin release and islet health
Official title: Mechanisms of Islet Failure in CF
Funded at University of Alberta · NIH-11387865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying why people with cystic fibrosis often develop diabetes by looking at how pancreatic duct cells influence insulin-producing cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alberta NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edmonton, Canada) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $431,859 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137209-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults and adolescents with cystic fibrosis, particularly those at risk for CFRD or with CFRD symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
People without CF or CFRD are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This grant aims to uncover how defective CFTR in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells disrupts insulin release and islet health in people with cystic fibrosis. The work uses human tissues and possibly animal models to dissect direct and indirect effects on beta cells and other islet cells. By mapping the mechanisms between duct cells, acinar cells, and islets, the project seeks targets that could preserve or restore insulin secretion in CFRD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of CFRD mechanisms could lead to new treatments that protect insulin production in CF patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests CFTR in ductal cells affects islet function, but the exact pathways are still being clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hull-Meichle, Rebecca Lucy — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Hull-Meichle, Rebecca Lucy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Why pancreatic islets fail in cystic fibrosis
This project looks at how faulty CFTR in pancreatic duct cells may damage insulin-making cells in people with cystic fibrosis.
-
Understanding how cystic fibrosis affects insulin release and diabetes.
This study is looking at how certain cells in the pancreas work together and how problems with these cells can lead to diabetes in people with cystic fibrosis, so we can better understand and manage this condition.
-
Developing a vaccine to protect pregnant women from malaria.
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect pregnant women and their babies from the serious effects of malaria, especially in areas where the disease is common.
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.