Understanding the link between psoriasis and diabetes
Official title: Role of IFN kappa in psoriasis-mediated diabetes development
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11089548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how psoriasis might increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DK133828-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for individuals living with psoriasis who are concerned about their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without psoriasis or type 2 diabetes are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We know that people with psoriasis have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes, and when both conditions are present, managing blood sugar becomes even harder. Our goal is to uncover the specific ways that psoriasis might lead to diabetes. We are focusing on a protein called interferon kappa (IFNκ), which is elevated in psoriasis and causes body-wide inflammation. By understanding how IFNκ contributes to this connection, we hope to find new ways to help patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or better manage type 2 diabetes in people with psoriasis.
How similar studies have gone: While the link between psoriasis and diabetes is known, the specific molecular mechanisms being explored in this project are novel and have not been fully tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolf-Fortune, Sonya J — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wolf-Fortune, Sonya J
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Role of a skin protein in psoriasis-related diabetes
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Investigating how a protein in psoriasis may lead to diabetes
This study is looking at how psoriasis might increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by exploring a protein called interferon kappa, which is higher in people with psoriasis, and how it affects inflammation and metabolism, with the goal of finding new treatment options for those dealing with both conditions.
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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.