NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how mitochondria affect insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes

Official title: Novel components of mitochondrial regulation of insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes

Funded at Buck Institute for Research on Aging · NIH-10997343 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the energy factories in your cells, called mitochondria, affect the way your body releases insulin, which is important for controlling blood sugar, especially in people with type 2 diabetes, to help find better treatments for managing the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBuck Institute for Research on Aging
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Novato, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2024
Project endDecember 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$670,313
NIH project number5R01DK135807-02
Project IDNIH-10997343 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who are experiencing challenges in insulin secretion.

Less likely to help

Patients without type 2 diabetes or those with other forms of diabetes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of mitochondrial function in insulin secretion from beta cells, which are crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. It aims to identify the metabolic changes that occur in beta cells of individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly how these changes impair their ability to respond to glucose. By using human islet cells and advanced techniques like CRISPR, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind these dysfunctions and explore potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for managing type 2 diabetes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore normal insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function in diabetes, but this specific approach is novel and aims to provide deeper insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Buck Institute for Research on Aging
    Novato, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gerencser, Akos a — Buck Institute for Research on Aging
  • Study coordinator: Gerencser, Akos a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.