Source: University of Gothenburg
Anders Rosengren. Credit: Johan Wingborg
Summary: Scientists have identified a newly discovered mechanism behind reduced insulin production in type 2 diabetes. In an article in Nature Communications, researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy describe how insulin-producing cells regress in their development, become immature, and do not work properly, a finding that opens the doors to new clinical treatments.
It has long been known that the insulin-producing cells fail in type 2 diabetes. The body does not get enough insulin and blood sugar rises. One theory argues that the insulin-producing cells become fewer in number, while another argues that their function is impaired.
As the analysis continued, it showed that the gene SOX5, which was previously unknown in a diabetes context, affects the disease.
"If you experimentally suppress and deactivate SOX5, the function of the certain genes deteriorates and the cells decrease in maturity. If you then increase the levels of SOX5, those certain genes also increase and insulin delivery can be normalized," explains Anders Rosengren.
"It's very exciting to see. It was almost like a volume control, where you could increase or decrease the maturity level of the insulin-producing cells.
Maybe, things positive are beginning to happen.
Les Ball.