# A Novel Class of Lipids as Potential Therapeutic Agents to Promote Pancreatic Beta cell Survival and Prevent Type 1 Diabetes.

> **NIH NIH K01** · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $153,749

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract:
Research: Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by loss of insulin-producing islet β-
cells and insulin deficiency. Despite several clinical trials no intervention has been found yet which has long-
term effects, and can be utilized safely over years without adverse effects. Therefore, developing therapeutic
targets which are safe, and act directly on islets to attenuate inflammatory responses and improve β-cell
function in humans with T1D are of utmost importance. We recently discovered a novel class of mammalian
lipids called Palmitic Acid Hydroxy Stearic Acids (PAHSAs) that are highly anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic.
PAHSAs also potently reduce the incidence of T1D in non obese diabetes (NOD) mice, a model of
autoimmune T1D. This project will investigate the mechanisms for these beneficial effects of PAHSAs in T1D.
Specific Aim1: To determine the immune mechanisms by which PAHSAs delay onset and reduce incidence of
T1D. Specific Aim2: To investigate the cellular mechanisms by which PAHSAs directly promote β-cell survival
and function. This research will provide novel insights into how PAHSAs modulate immune function and
promote islet β-cell survival/function which may be used develop novel therapies for T1D treatment in humans.
Candidate: I have a long-standing interest in studying the signaling mechanisms responsible for islet β-cell
death and dysfunction. My doctoral training with Dr. Anjan Kowluru focused on the role of small G-proteins and
reactive oxygen species in insulin secretion under physiological and pathophysiological states. My postdoctoral
training with Dr. Barbara B Kahn has been geared towards identifying novel therapeutic approaches to
enhance β-cell function and improve glucose-insulin homeostasis. My tenure in Dr. Kahn’s lab has been
extremely productive and I have authored and co-authored 8 papers with one first author paper in Cell, a
second in under revision at Cell Metabolism. During the grant period, I will expand my knowledge of islet
autoimmunity by learning immunological techniques and signaling pathways involved in β-cell survival/function.
This K01 career development award will provide me with protected research time to undergo the final and
critical training phase of my career prior which will equip me to successfully transition to independence.
Environment: The Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes at the BIDMC is an ideal training site
for basic scientists and has a distinguished record of training young scientists towards a path of independence.
Graduates from Division have gone on to make transformative discoveries that continue to shape the future of
diabetes and metabolism research. The research proposed in this award will be carried under the mentorship
of Dr. Kahn at BIDMC and Dr. Mathis at the HMS with guidance of a scientific advisory committee (Drs. Hao
Wu, Gokhan Hotamisligil, and Susan Bonner-Weir) who are committed to my development as...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9947743
- **Project number:** 5K01DK118041-03
- **Recipient organization:** BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Ismail Syed
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $153,749
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9947743

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9947743, A Novel Class of Lipids as Potential Therapeutic Agents to Promote Pancreatic Beta cell Survival and Prevent Type 1 Diabetes. (5K01DK118041-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9947743. Licensed CC0.

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