Why pancreatic islets fail in cystic fibrosis
Official title: Mechanisms of Islet Failure in CF
Funded at University of Alberta · NIH-11195028 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how faulty CFTR in pancreatic duct cells may damage insulin-making cells in people with cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alberta NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edmonton, Canada) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $433,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137209-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195028 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cystic fibrosis, particularly those with early signs of CF-related diabetes or who can donate pancreatic tissue, blood, or clinical data, would be most relevant to this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without cystic fibrosis or those whose diabetes is caused by non-CF conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
You will hear about lab work using human pancreatic duct cells and islets and 3-D models to find out how CFTR defects harm insulin-producing beta cells. The team will reduce or block CFTR in duct cells and watch for direct effects on insulin release and beta cell health as well as indirect effects that come through acinar cells, blood vessels, and immune cells. They will measure insulin secretion, cell survival, and changes in islet structure to pinpoint what causes insulin loss in CF. Much of this work uses primary human tissue and supportive laboratory models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect or restore insulin production in people with cystic fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory studies, including the team's preliminary data, suggest CFTR loss in pancreatic duct cells can reduce insulin release, but the specific mechanisms remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hull-Meichle, Rebecca Lucy — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Hull-Meichle, Rebecca Lucy
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.