Understanding how sensory nerves affect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
Official title: Sensory Neuromodulation of Pancreatic Beta Cells
Funded at New York Medical College · NIH-10924026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells help control insulin production in the pancreas, which is important for people with diabetes, and it hopes to find new ways to boost insulin secretion to help manage blood sugar levels better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Valhalla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $393,600 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK122167-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with diabetes who may benefit from improved insulin secretion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetes or those with other unrelated endocrine disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of sensory neurons in regulating pancreatic beta cells, which are crucial for insulin secretion in diabetes. By using various models, including chemical and surgical denervation, the study aims to uncover how these sensory neurons influence insulin production and glucose metabolism. The researchers will employ advanced techniques such as live-cell imaging and proteomics to explore the interactions between sensory neurons and beta cells under different metabolic conditions. This could lead to new neuromodulation strategies to improve insulin secretion in diabetic patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance insulin production in individuals with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neuronal control of pancreatic functions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Medical College
Valhalla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El Ouaamari, Abdelfattah — New York Medical College
- Study coordinator: El Ouaamari, Abdelfattah
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.