Laura De Castro, a biomedical sciences major, performs a western blot test in Dr. Jim Nichols’ research lab. Photo by Eddy Duryea, courtesy of UCF.
A University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine scientist is investigating a new approach to treat neuropathy without relying on pain pills and antidepressants. Assistant Professor Dr. Jim Nichols is focused on overlooked mechanisms in the body that may show how the inability to make insulin has “downstream” consequences in other areas, such as how the brain processes and registers sensation in the limbs. He theorizes that irregularities in the insulin signaling pathway of peripheral nerves may be the key contributor to diabetic neuropathy. Based on the potential of his early findings, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recently awarded UCF a $747,000 R00 grant to expand that research.
“We’re diving into an area that’s fresh,” Nichols said. “The research aims we’re going after are based on the insulin signaling pathway, and how the neuropathy evolves due to insulin dysregulation. Ultimately, we’re looking at different ways to alter the insulin signaling pathway to prevent nerve degeneration.”
During the next 3 years, Nichols and his team will document the behavior of neurons, their signaling systems, and surrounding cells to find ways to regulate them to alleviate symptoms of neuropathy. He hopes his investigational treatment can become a more viable alternative for patients with diabetes.
