Direct reprogramming pancreatic ductal cells into insulin-producing cells by controlling the epigenome using AI-designed mini-protein EpiBinder
Forecasted
Direct reprogramming pancreatic ductal cells into insulin-producing cells by controlling the epigenome using AI-designed mini-protein EpiBinder funds Shiri Levy’s research to restore insulin production in type 1 diabetes.
Funder: Diabetes Research Connection
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: DRC program awards: $25,000–$75,000 for one year; graduate students up to $50,000
Summary: This DRC-supported project explores AI-designed EpiBinders to convert pancreatic ductal cells into insulin-producing cells for type 1 diabetes.
Key Information: DRC funding is for early-career scientists conducting research at U.S. institutions; NIH-funded principal investigators and R01 recipients are ineligible.
Description
Project #68 is an active Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) project led by Shiri Levy, PhD, at the University of Washington School of Medicine, within the RFA-2024-2 cohort. It investigates whether AI-designed mini-proteins called EpiBinders, delivered alongside genetic tools, can activate genes that reprogram pancreatic ductal cells into insulin-producing cells. Ductal cells make up about 30% of the pancreas and remain unharmed when type 1 diabetes destroys insulin-producing cells.
The project aims to restore natural insulin production, potentially reducing reliance on insulin injections and informing broader approaches to cell and tissue regeneration. DRC’s wider funding program supports innovative, early-stage type 1 diabetes research through donor-driven, peer-reviewed seed funding. The application rules and award ranges below apply to that program.
