Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded the Regents of the University of Minnesota a Project Grant of $676,905 under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847) on February 16, 2026, with a completion date of January 31, 2031. This research initiative focuses on investigating stromal regulation of pathological bone remodeling in diabetic patients, addressing the significantly elevated fracture risk observed in both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes populations. The project will advance understanding of how O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) signaling modulates bone marrow stromal cell differentiation and metabolic fitness, with the goal of identifying therapeutic targets to prevent diabetic osteoporosis and associated inflammation.

The research will deliver scientific findings on the functional effects of O-GlcNAc modification on bone health and stromal cell behavior through systematic testing of genetic and pharmacological approaches in preclinical models. The University of Minnesota's Office of Sponsored Projects Administration will conduct the research at its Minneapolis facility, leveraging the institution's substantial research infrastructure and expertise in metabolic disease pathways. These outcomes will contribute to the NIDDK's programmatic mission to improve understanding of disease mechanisms and identify improved prevention and treatment strategies for diabetes-related complications.