Tracking how labeled glucose is used by immune cells in real time
Official title: Tracing Of Real-time glu13Cose Metabolism in Human Immune Cells
Run by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT06930976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Adults will receive a short infusion of safe, non-radioactive labeled glucose while researchers take blood immune cells to see how those cells use glucose for energy and as building material.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06930976 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults age 18 or older who can attend in-person visits at Vanderbilt, are not pregnant, do not have uncontrolled diabetes, and can safely provide the required blood samples are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant, incarcerated, have uncontrolled hyperglycemia/diabetes, or have medical conditions or medications that could interfere with metabolism are unlikely to benefit and are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-site interventional study gives participants an intravenous infusion of 13C6-glucose, a non-radioactive stable isotope tracer, over a few hours. Investigators will collect blood samples during and after the infusion to isolate immune cell populations and measure incorporation of the 13C label into metabolic pathways using mass spectrometry and tracer analysis. The goal is to map real-time glucose uptake and its use for energy production and biosynthesis within human immune cells. Standard exclusions include pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, incarceration, recent large blood draws, or any condition or medication judged by investigators to interfere with the measurements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal how immune cells alter glucose use and guide development of better diagnostics or therapies for immune-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Stable isotope tracer approaches like 13C-glucose have been used successfully in animal models and human metabolic studies, but applying real-time 13C tracing specifically to circulating immune cells is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 or older Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant * Prisoner or in police custody * Uncontrolled hyperglycemia/diabetes * Current participation in another study where the total volume of blood drawn, when added to this study blood draw volume, exceeds 500cc in an 8 week period * Any medical issue or pharmacologic exposure which, in the opinion of the study investigator, that might interfere with the study objectives * Any reason which, in the opinion of the study investigator, adds additional risk to the participant
Where it's running
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew T Stier, M.D., Ph.D. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Matthew T Stier, M.D., Ph.D.
- Email: matthew.stier@vumc.org
- Phone: 615-875-4978
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Low-dose galactose added to a meal to test blood sugar control
Researchers will test whether adding a small amount of galactose with a 75 g glucose drink can help control blood sugar in healthy adults.
-
Timing broccoli sprout intake to see if it boosts endurance performance
This study tests whether taking a broccoli sprout drink at different times before cycling can improve performance and recovery in healthy, endurance-trained adults.
-
How different post-workout meals affect muscle protein building
This trial tests whether eating potato plus beef, bread plus beef, or beef alone right after resistance exercise changes muscle protein building in healthy, recreationally active young adults.
-
Comparing two types of dextrose injections for knee osteoarthritis treatment
This study is testing whether a special type of knee injection guided by MRI works better than a standard injection for people aged 45 to 80 with knee osteoarthritis.
-
Exploring how playing in sand affects atopic dermatitis in children
This study is testing if playing in sand can help young children with eczema feel better by looking at their skin and immune system changes.
-
Breaking up long periods of sitting to improve heart and metabolic health
This study is testing how often and how long people should take breaks from sitting to see if it can help improve their heart and metabolic health.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.