Unearthing a path leading to diabetes
Friday, January 6, 2012 - 09:02
in Health & Medicine
A molecular mechanism that links diet, obesity and diabetes involves depletion of specialized transporter proteins, a JapaneseAmerican team has found. Transporter proteins deliver glucose to so-called beta cells of the pancreas, which produce the hormone insulin to help the body regulate its sugar levels. The work opens the way to new treatments for diabetes since ensuring sufficient numbers of glucose transporter (Glut) proteins on their outer surface could improve beta cell function.