Understanding how the liver and pancreas communicate to help regenerate insulin-producing cells
Liver-islet and intra-islet cross talk in alpha cell hyperplasia and beta cell regeneration
This project explores how blocking a hormone called glucagon might help the body create new insulin-producing cells for people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103331 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies naturally produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. This research looks at whether medicines that block glucagon could help protect and regrow the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. We've seen promising results in animal models, where these medicines helped restore normal blood sugar levels even after treatment stopped. The goal is to understand how these medicines encourage the body to make new insulin cells, potentially by converting other cells into insulin producers, and how the liver and pancreas work together in this process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is foundational for individuals with adult-onset diabetes, particularly those with Type 1 diabetes, who might benefit from therapies that restore insulin production.
Not a fit: Patients whose diabetes is not related to beta-cell loss or dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help people with diabetes naturally produce their own insulin again, potentially reducing the need for external insulin.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms are novel, previous studies have explored glucagon receptor antagonists for blood sugar control, and this research builds on initial promising findings in animal models.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holland, William L — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Holland, William L
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 below.