Saturday, July 5, 2025 7/5/2025

Natural History and Mechanisms of Exocrine Pancreatic Dysfunction in Pre-Type 1 Diabetes

Award Number: K23DK131363
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES & DIGESTIVE & KIDNEY DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 01/01/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 11/30/2027

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Natural History and Mechanisms of Exocrine Pancreatic Dysfunction in Pre-Type 1 Diabetes - PROJECT SUMMARY. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is historically described as an endocrine (β-cell) specific autoimmune disease. However, reduced pancreatic size and subclinical exocrine insufficiency are also present at T1D diagnosis. The mechanisms, natural history, and role of these findings in T1D pathogenesis remains unclear. Exocrine atrophy may even precede the onset of multiple islet autoantibodies (Stage 1 T1D) in some subjects, signifying that clinical measures of exocrine mass and function could be helpful early T1D biomarkers. The primary objective of this proposal is to establish the natural history of exocrine loss in pre-T1D and to identify exocrine T1D- predictive biomarkers. We will measure fecal elastase (FE-1), a clinical marker of exocrine function, throughout the course of pre-T1D within TEDDY (The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young) subject banked samples (Aim 1A). An enrolling R01-funded study of TrialNet (TN) subjects (Campbell-Thompson and Haller, mPIs) will prospectively examine pancreas volume by MRI in single islet autoantibody positive (AAb+), multiple AAb+, and AAb- T1D first degree relatives (FDRs) to evaluate its prognostic utility. Herein we propose to add evaluation of serum and stool exocrine functional markers in this complementary population to evaluate their prognostic utility and determine timing of exocrine loss (Aim 1B). We hypothesize that exocrine markers will be reduced prior to Stage 1 T1D in those destined for progression and that their rate of decline can be used to predict disease onset. Lastly, the mechanisms underlying reduced exocrine pancreatic mass and function in T1D remain unclear; leading hypotheses include a lack of insulin secretion or autoimmunity to exocrine tissue leading to pancreas atrophy. The secondary objective of this study will use samples from the Network for Pancreatic Organ donors with Diabetes (nPOD) cohort to investigate these potential mechanisms and evaluate exocrine pancreatic autoantibodies as biomarkers of risk (Aim 2). We hypothesize that exocrine autoimmunity is present in subjects with multiple islet AAb+ and those with clinical T1D and leads to diminished exocrine mass and function. We hypothesize that insulinopenia is present in those with clinical T1D and leads to further exocrine atrophy. If our hypothesis is proven, this will represent a paradigm shift in our traditional understanding of the pathogenesis of T1D as an endocrine-specific autoimmune disease. This proposal will advance my early career goal to better understanding the timing and role of T1D exocrine pancreas changes and apply this knowledge in prevention and intervention trials. The skills set forth within this research proposal and career development plan will promote independence as a clinical investigator and include collaborations in several large T1D research consortia and training in 1) human subjects research trial design, implementation, and analysis 2) biomarker evaluation and 3) translational science design and technique. The collaborative rapport, excellent mentorship, and mission of training the next generation of investigators across University of Florida institutes and departments provides an ideal environment for career success.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $156,168 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research	000	3	11/27/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$156,168
														Subtotal = $156,168

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $215,836 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research	001	2	7/30/2024	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$59,668
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research	000	2	11/17/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$156,168
														Subtotal = $215,836

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $157,668 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA	1523 UNION RD RM 207	GAINESVILLE	FL	32611	ALACHUA	USA	Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research	000	1	12/22/2022	NEW	$157,668
														Subtotal = $157,668

Grand Total All Awards = $529,672

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Natural History and Mechanisms of Exocrine Pancreatic Dysfunction in Pre-Type 1 Diabetes

Award Number: K23DK131363

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES & DIGESTIVE & KIDNEY DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 01/01/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 11/30/2027

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer