Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded The Washington University a Project Grant totaling $578,846 under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847) for research activities spanning February 1, 2026 through January 31, 2031. The research focuses on brown adipose tissue (BAT) derived nidogen-2 as a potential diabetes therapeutic. The project aims to investigate how nidogen-2, a secreted protein derived from brown adipose tissue, can reduce plasma glucagon levels and reverse hyperglycemic phenotypes in diabetes models. This therapeutic approach addresses limitations of current insulin-only and glucagon receptor antagonist therapies by normalizing glucagon hypersecretion rather than blocking glucagon action, potentially reducing hypoglycemic episodes and improving quality of life for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

The research deliverables include fundamental and translational investigations into nidogen-2's mechanisms of action, including its ability to inhibit glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, activate insulin receptor signaling, promote adipocyte browning, and enhance glucose uptake in metabolic tissues. The award supports research execution at Washington University's Office of Sponsored Research Services Division in St. Louis, Missouri, contributing to NIDDK's programmatic objective of advancing fundamental and clinical biomedical research that improves understanding of diabetes disease mechanisms and leads to improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.