Understanding how Schwann cells and nerves interact in obesity and diabetes
Official title: Metabolic coupling between Schwann cells and axons is functionally distinct from myelination and is disrupted in obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10854948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight or having diabetes affects the nerves in your body, and it hopes to find out if changes in diet and exercise can help improve nerve health for people dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $605,984 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK130913-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or obesity who are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic syndrome or those who do not have diabetes-related complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between Schwann cells, which support nerve health, and axons in the context of obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes. It aims to uncover how metabolic conditions affect nerve function and contribute to peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. By using animal models, the study will explore the mechanisms behind nerve dysfunction and how lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, may improve nerve health. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies for patients suffering from nerve-related complications due to metabolic syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes and related metabolic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of lifestyle changes on nerve health, but this specific investigation into Schwann cells and metabolic coupling is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldman, Eva Lucille — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Feldman, Eva Lucille
Related research
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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.