Understanding how immune cells in the pancreas affect diabetes
Official title: Regulation of GPCR-mediated intercellular communication in islets
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11059251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells affect inflammation in the pancreas and how that might impact insulin production, especially in mice on a high-fat diet, to help find better ways to manage diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $515,085 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136558-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity and adult-onset diabetes who may benefit from improved understanding and treatment of their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or those with type 1 diabetes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of immune cells, specifically macrophages, in the inflammation of pancreatic islets and how this inflammation impacts the function of insulin-producing beta cells. By studying mice that are fed a high-fat diet, the researchers aim to understand how a specific receptor, GPR92, influences these immune cells and their interaction with beta cells. The study employs advanced techniques such as computer simulations and genetic modifications to explore these relationships, which could lead to new insights into diabetes management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve insulin production and function in patients with obesity-related diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in diabetes, but the specific focus on GPR92 in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oh, Dayoung — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Oh, Dayoung
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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.