Scientists Detect Molecular Obesity Link to Insulin Resistance, Type II Diabetes
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 12:56
in Health & Medicine
A molecular switch found in the fat tissue of obese mice is a critical factor in the development of insulin resistance, report scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Previously found to increase glucose production by the liver during fasting, the culprit--a protein known as CREB--is also activated in fat tissue of obese mice where it promotes insulin resistance.