Why the heart's calming (vagal) nerves fail in type 2 diabetes
Potential mechanism underlying parasympathetic neuronal dysfunction in diabetes
This research looks at how signals linked to diabetes may shut down the nerve channels that normally slow the heart in people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261026 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, this project uses a rat model of type 2 diabetes and lab experiments on isolated nerve cells to find why parasympathetic (vagal) neurons stop working. The team will study how leptin resistance, a protein called UCP2, and oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide) affect acetylcholine receptor channels that control nerve activity. They will also examine how norepinephrine and α1 adrenergic signaling interact with these pathways. Experiments range from whole-animal measurements of heart and nerve function to cellular and molecular testing of channel activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 2 diabetes—especially those with signs of autonomic or vagal dysfunction—are the group most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without type 2 diabetes or whose heart problems have causes unrelated to vagal/autonomic dysfunction are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new targets or strategies to restore vagal nerve function and reduce heart-related deaths in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and lab studies have shown reduced vagal neuron activity in diabetes and that boosting vagal tone can lower mortality, but the specific signaling pathways targeted here have not been fully tested.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yu-Long — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Li, Yu-Long
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 below.