Understanding how the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in Type 1 Diabetes
Official title: The Role of the Pancreas Microenvironment in Regulating Islet Function and Survival in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at Colorado School of Mines · NIH-10981298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the environment around insulin-producing cells in the pancreas affects their health and survival in people with Type 1 Diabetes, especially focusing on how the loss of certain proteins might lead to problems with these cells early in the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado School of Mines NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Golden, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $352,618 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK137221-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, particularly those in the early stages of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Type 2 Diabetes or other forms of diabetes unrelated to autoimmune processes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the pancreas microenvironment in the function and survival of insulin-producing beta cells in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). It focuses on how the loss of specific extracellular matrix components, particularly laminin-10, impacts beta cell health and function, especially during the early stages of the disease. By examining the interactions between beta cells and their surrounding environment, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to beta cell death and dysfunction. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze cellular responses to stress and inflammation, which are critical in the progression of T1D.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving beta cell function and improving treatment outcomes for patients with Type 1 Diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of the extracellular matrix in diabetes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farnsworth, Nikki L. — Colorado School of Mines
- Study coordinator: Farnsworth, Nikki L.
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A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
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How the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
Researchers are studying how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas and its proteins influence insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
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Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
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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.