Project Grant R01DK146866

Federal Grant Award Summary

Duke University's Office of Research Administration received a $807,282 Project Grant award effective May 11, 2026, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847). The award, with completion targeted for February 28, 2031, funds biomedical research to elucidate estrogen-dependent mechanisms underlying diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD), specifically overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in diabetic patients. The research will investigate how diabetes dysregulates estrogen-mediated pathways involving nerve growth factor (NGF) release and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) activation in bladder urothelial cells and peripheral afferent nerves.

The project deliverables include scientific research findings on the relationship between estrogen signaling and afferent nerve hyperinnervation in diabetic bladder disease, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets for precision medicine approaches to treat OAB in diabetic populations. Using the AKITA mouse model of diabetes, the research will pursue two specific aims to test the hypothesis that diabetes increases estrogen-mediated NGF release via GPER activation, thereby promoting afferent nerve growth and OAB development. Upon completion, the research is expected to generate foundational knowledge addressing a significant clinical gap in diabetes care, where current glycemic control strategies have proven ineffective in mitigating OAB symptoms.