Using advanced imaging to study beta cell types in type 1 diabetes
Official title: Image based Spatial Transcriptomics to Identify Beta Cell Phenotypes in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11057346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the different kinds of insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes to find out which ones might be safe from damage, with the hope of improving treatments for the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | March 16, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $150,627 |
| NIH project number | 7R03DK135457-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a long history of type 1 diabetes who may have preserved beta cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes or those without any remaining beta cell function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the different types of beta cells in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using advanced imaging techniques. By employing single molecule Fluorescence In-situ Hybridization and artificial intelligence, the study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of RNA expression in pancreatic tissues. The goal is to identify unique characteristics of beta cells that may be protected from autoimmune destruction, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of T1D. Patients' pancreatic tissues from organ donors will be analyzed to uncover these cellular phenotypes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into preserving beta cell function in type 1 diabetes, potentially improving treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using advanced imaging techniques to study cellular phenotypes, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Jing — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Jing
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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.