Viral proteins that act like insulin and IGF-1
Official title: Viral insulin-like peptides and their unique activities on mammalian insulin/IGF-1 system
Funded at Boston College · NIH-11247458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looks at whether virus-derived insulin-like peptides can mimic or block the body's insulin and IGF-1 signals to help guide new treatments for diabetes and growth disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $488,635 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132674-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes, IGF-1–related growth disorders (like acromegaly or Laron syndrome), or complications linked to IGF-1 may be most relevant to future clinical applications of this work.
✕Less likely to help
People whose conditions are unrelated to insulin or IGF-1 signaling, or those seeking immediate treatment changes, are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical laboratory research.
What this research studies
Researchers make and study small proteins found in some viruses that resemble insulin and IGF-1. They test how these viral peptides bind to insulin and IGF-1 receptors and measure their effects in cells and in animal experiments, and they use 3D structural studies to understand how the peptides work. The team aims to find peptides that selectively turn receptors on or off so drug designers can create more precise medicines. This is lab- and animal-focused work now, so it represents early-stage research rather than an available therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more targeted drugs that better control insulin/IGF-1 signaling for diabetes, growth disorders, and related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical attempts to block the IGF-1 receptor largely failed, and using virus-derived insulin-like peptides is a novel approach with promising early lab evidence but not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Altindis, Emrah — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Altindis, Emrah
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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.