Understanding how insulin signaling affects pancreas function in type 1 diabetes
Official title: Loss of insulin signaling across functional pancreas compartments as a major pathogenic mechanism underlying diabetic exocrine pancreatopathy
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11010833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how insulin affects the pancreas in people with type 1 diabetes, especially how problems with insulin can lead to issues with digestion, and it aims to find new ways to help improve pancreatic health for those living with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | January 12, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $663,708 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138471-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with type 1 diabetes who are experiencing pancreatic exocrine dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without type 1 diabetes or those with other forms of pancreatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of insulin signaling in the pancreas of patients with type 1 diabetes, particularly focusing on how the loss of this signaling leads to pancreatic dysfunction known as diabetic exocrine pancreatopathy. The study aims to explore the interactions between insulin, acinar tissues, blood vessels, and nerve inputs within the pancreas. By examining these relationships, the researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to pancreatic dysfunction in diabetes, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may be involved in assessments that help identify the specific changes in their pancreatic function related to their diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for pancreatic dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding insulin signaling in the pancreas can lead to significant insights into diabetes management, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caicedo, Alejandro — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Caicedo, Alejandro
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Decoding how GAA repeats in FGF14 cause SCA27B
This project looks at why a specific DNA repeat in the FGF14 gene leads to Spinocerebellar Ataxia 27B in adults.
-
Breathing therapy to help clear brain toxins in older adults who sleep poorly
A small study will test a breathing-based therapy to boost brain toxin clearance in older adults with poor sleep patterns related to Alzheimer’s risk.
-
New retinal imaging to detect brain small vessel disease
A fast, wide-field eye imaging method will measure how tiny retinal blood vessels rhythmically flow to help detect early brain small vessel disease.
-
Understanding the Genetics Behind IBD in South Florida
This grant looks at how genes and the environment come together to influence inflammatory bowel disease in people living in South Florida.
-
MorpHiC Data Resource and Coordinating Center
A national effort to build and share a comprehensive, high-quality catalogue of how human genes affect cell function when they’re turned off, using human cellular models.
-
MorPhiC data hub for gene function in human cells
A data resource and coordinating center will organize and share information about how human genes affect cellular traits when knocked out, helping researchers understand gene functions.
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.