Using stem cells to create models for type 1 diabetes treatment
Official title: Stem cell-based modeling of type 1 diabetes to accelerate translation of therapies
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11059406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating better models of type 1 diabetes using stem cells to help us understand the disease and find new treatments, so that people with T1D can benefit from improved therapies in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,108,154 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DK142187-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 2 diabetes or other non-autoimmune forms of diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced models of type 1 diabetes (T1D) using stem cells to better understand the disease and accelerate the development of new therapies. By creating a multi-cellular platform that combines stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells with various immune cells, researchers aim to mimic the autoimmune processes that destroy these cells. The project will optimize the differentiation of these cells and identify specific T cell receptors to enhance the effectiveness of potential treatments. This innovative approach seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications for T1D patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for managing or potentially reversing type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell models to study autoimmune diseases, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parent, Audrey — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Parent, Audrey
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
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-
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Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
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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
This study will look at adults with type 1 diabetes to see how their awareness of low blood sugar evolves over time and whether automated insulin delivery and high-intensity exercise can help restore that awareness.
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.