Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Miami's Office of Research Administration in the School of Medicine received a $537,250 Project Grant 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), awarded June 1, 2026, with a completion date of March 31, 2029. This award funds fundamental biomedical research investigating the neuronal entero-pancreatic circuit's role in glucose metabolism and beta cell function. The research aims to elucidate how sensory signals from the gastrointestinal tract are transmitted to pancreatic islets via enteric nerves to enable anticipatory glucose regulation, potentially identifying mechanisms comparable to hormonal incretins in controlling insulin secretion.

The primary deliverables under this grant include scientific research outputs addressing three specific research aims: uncovering the mechanisms coupling gut sensing to entero-pancreatic neurons, elucidating neuronal signaling pathways between the gut and pancreas, and determining the physiological impact of the entero-pancreatic reflex on glucose metabolism. The research is designed to advance fundamental knowledge of beta cell function and inform development of novel therapeutic interventions for diabetes and metabolic disorders, consistent with NIDDK's mission to support basic and clinical biomedical research that improves understanding and treatment of diabetes and related metabolic diseases.