Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg in Sweden have discovered a type of protein that may be linked to the development of diabetes. This discovery may help introduce innovative ways in treating the diabetes and other metabolic diseases that affect millions of people worldwide.
The researchers have identified the protein called Serine/threonine protein kinase 25 or STK25, which contributes to cell growth, may also affect metabolism. The said protein is part of several cell processes, among them a possible effect on metabolism. This protein is expressed in human as well as mice tissues.
The researchers have demonstrated that mice with elevated levels of the STK25 protein can accelerate the development of diabetes. The researchers used a small interfering RNA for STK25 to show how the protein may be involved in glucose uptake and lipid oxidation. In addition, the researchers also fed mice with a high-fat diet to overexpress the STK25 protein in their tissues. The result showed that the elevated levels of STK25 protein showed a reduction in insulin sensitivity resistance and glucose tolerance as compared to normally-fed mice. Those who have higher STK25 levels in their tissues are also more likely to develop diabetes.
According to Emmelie Cansby, who prepared the doctoral thesis on the said study, this discovery may someday consider STK25 protein for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. “Future treatment of diabetes and other metabolic disorders will hopefully include drugs that inhibit the action of STK25,” she adds.
Source: Science Daily
Tags: diabetes development, diabetes link, Diabetes News, diabetes research, metabolic disorders, protein type, type 2 diabetes