Understanding how the pancreas develops and functions in children and adolescents

Integrative analysis of multi-omic signatures and cellular function in human pancreas across developmental timeline at single-cell spatial resolution

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10891479

This study is looking at how the pancreas grows and develops in kids and teens, especially how the insulin-producing cells are made and work, to help us understand diabetes better and find new ways to help young people with the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10891479 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the development of the pancreas in children and adolescents, focusing on how beta cells, which produce insulin, are formed and mature. By analyzing the pancreas at a single-cell level, the study aims to uncover the genetic and environmental factors that influence pancreatic health during critical developmental stages. The research will also explore the interactions between different cell types in the pancreas, which could provide insights into conditions like type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This comprehensive approach may lead to better diagnostic and treatment strategies for diabetes in young patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents who are at risk for or diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes who are adults or those whose pancreatic development is no longer in the pediatric stage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for diabetes in children and adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on adult pancreatic function, this research is novel as it focuses specifically on the pediatric period, which has been less explored.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.