Understanding how stress affects insulin-producing cells in diabetes

BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHN D DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10948091

This study is looking at how stress affects insulin-producing cells in the body, which is important for understanding diabetes, and aims to find ways to help these cells stay healthy and improve diabetes treatment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHN D DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DETROIT, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10948091 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to dysfunction in insulin-producing beta cells, which is crucial for the onset of diabetes. The principal investigator has nearly 30 years of experience in diabetes research and is focusing on how metabolic stress activates a protein called Rac1, which may cause damage to these cells. By using advanced techniques such as microscopy and molecular biology, the team aims to identify key factors that could help improve the health of beta cells and ultimately diabetes treatment. The research primarily uses animal models to explore these mechanisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who are experiencing or at risk for adult-onset diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have diabetes or are not veterans may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding beta cell dysfunction, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

DETROIT, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: adult onset diabetes, Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.