Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded The Regents of the University of Colorado a Project Grant of $551,250 under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847) on February 19, 2026, with completion scheduled for January 31, 2029. This research project focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of vesicle fusion regulation in metabolic pathways, specifically examining how protein-protein networks mediate insulin-dependent glucose transporter (GLUT4) translocation in adipocytes and muscle cells. The research will employ CRISPR-based genetic platforms, biochemical and biophysical assays, and in vitro models using cultured cells and human pluripotent stem cell-derived adipocytes to understand vesicle fusion kinetics and the effects of lipid composition variations.

The research deliverables will advance understanding of metabolic disorders including insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes by characterizing how soluble and membrane proteins act in concert during vesicle fusion reactions. The project incorporates investigation of high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance conditions using genetically modified mouse models to identify how alterations in vesicle fusion mediators contribute to metabolic dysfunction. This mechanistic research is expected to provide foundational knowledge supporting the development of therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders by clarifying the molecular basis of insulin-dependent glucose transport regulation.