Understanding how diabetes affects healing in the mouth
Official title: Epithelial stem cell dysfunction in diabetic oral ulcer
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10886222 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how diabetes affects the healing of mouth wounds, especially for people getting dental work, and it aims to find new ways to help these wounds heal better by understanding the role of special stem cells in the mouth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $158,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE033059-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886222 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have diabetes and experience oral wounds or complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have oral wound healing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of diabetes on the healing process of oral wounds, which can be particularly challenging for patients undergoing dental procedures. The study focuses on the role of specific stem cells in the oral epithelium that are crucial for maintaining tissue health and healing. By examining how diabetes alters these stem cells' behavior and the surrounding environment, the researchers aim to identify new treatment strategies to enhance wound healing in diabetic patients. The research employs both laboratory and animal models to explore these effects in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for oral wound healing in diabetic patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding stem cell behavior in other tissues can lead to significant advancements in wound healing, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Xue — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Xue
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Diabetic Foot Ulcer Offloading with User-Friendly Cast Walker Design
A small pilot study to see how different removable cast walker designs affect daily use and healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
-
Parasitic Keratitis: Do Steroid Eyedrops Help or Harm?
A randomized trial will test whether adding a low-dose corticosteroid eyedrops after standard anti-amoebic therapy improves vision for people with Acanthamoeba keratitis.
-
Topical corticosteroids for acanthamoeba keratitis in adults
A randomized trial tests whether adding a mild steroid drop after standard anti-amoebic therapy helps improve vision and inflammation in people with acanthamoeba keratitis.
-
Corticosteroids for Acanthamoeba Keratitis in adults
A randomized trial tests whether adding a corticosteroid eye drop after standard anti-amoebic therapy helps improve vision in people with acanthamoeba keratitis.
-
Home-based exercise to help Veterans recover after healed diabetic foot ulcers
A home-based exercise program for Veterans who recently healed from a diabetic foot ulcer to improve walking and daily function.
-
Wearable insoles to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers
A wearable insole device will monitor foot pressure and temperature in adults with diabetes to help prevent foot ulcers and potential amputations.
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.