The Lundquist Institute (TLI) is proud to announce that Peter Liu, MBBS, PhD, a distinguished investigator in Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, has been awarded a highly competitive R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health’s Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The $2.78 million award will fund groundbreaking research into how sleep loss and circadian misalignment contribute to insulin resistance, a key driver of type 2 diabetes.
In collaboration with co-investigator Hans PA Van Dongen, PhD of Washington State University, Peter Liu, MD, PhD’s “Sleep Loss and Circadian Misalignment – Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance” grant commences on August 15, 2025.
Tackling a Growing Health Crisis
Insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), a condition that affects 38 million Americans and costs an estimated $413 billion annually. Night shift workers, who comprise 10–15% of the U.S. workforce, are particularly vulnerable due to chronic sleep loss and circadian misalignment. These disruptions in normal sleep and hormonal rhythms can double the insulin resistance observed with sleep loss alone.
While it is known that disrupted sleep impacts metabolic health, the specific mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unclear. Peter Liu, MD, PhD’s research aims to pinpoint the role of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, in triggering insulin resistance under conditions of sleep loss and circadian misalignment.
A Mechanistic Approach to Innovative Solutions
Peter Liu, MD, PhD’s study will focus on the shape and timing of cortisol rhythms, investigating how changes in these patterns contribute to metabolic dysfunction. His team will also examine the downstream metabolomic and hormonal signatures accompanying these changes.
To explore these questions, the study will conduct two randomized, in-laboratory experiments simulating day and night shift work. The goal is to understand how altered sleep patterns influence cortisol and insulin resistance, and how potential interventions could mitigate this risk, even when sleep itself cannot be restored.
“By targeting the specific characteristics of cortisol responsible for insulin resistance,” said Peter Liu, MD, PhD, “we hope to develop effective strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes, especially in essential workers who are unable to avoid irregular schedules.”
Leading with Impact
“This grant is a major milestone for Peter Liu, MD, PhD and the entire Institute,” said Joe W. Ramos, PhD, President and CEO of TLI. “His work exemplifies how rigorous science can inform practical solutions to some of our most pressing health challenges.”
The Lundquist Institute congratulates Peter Liu, MD, PhD and his collaborators on this prestigious recognition and looks forward to the life-changing discoveries this research may yield.
Support TLI’s Transformational Research
Innovative studies like Peter Liu, MD, PhD’s are transforming our understanding of chronic diseases that affect millions. At The Lundquist Institute, we are dedicated to advancing science that improves health outcomes for all, including essential workers on the frontlines. Your support helps fuel discoveries that lead to real-world solutions. Donate today to help us continue driving lifesaving research forward.