A Potential Game Changer for Type 2 Diabetics - New Therapeutic Target Identified

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https://scitechdaily.com/a-potential-game-changer-for-type-2-diabetics-new-therapeutic-target-identified/

By THE MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL / MOUNT SINAI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OCTOBER 14, 2022

Insufficient ß – cell mass is the root cause of all major types of diabetes. When blood glucose levels in the body rise, such as in response to a high-fat diet, β cells respond by creating and releasing more insulin to manage blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia, or persistently high blood glucose, may, however, hinder the ability of β cells to produce and secrete insulin. This leads to a vicious cycle of rising glucose levels and declining β–cell activity, which eventually ends in the death of β cells, a phenomenon known as glucose toxicity. Thus, β cell preservation and regeneration are therapeutic goals for diabetes.

The reseadch team found that ChREBPβ plays a key role in the gradual destruction of β cells. Thus, we believe it is a marker of hyperglycemia and glucose toxicity.”

“Traditionally, ChREBP was thought to be a mediator of glucose toxicity, but we noticed one form, ChREBPa, appeared to protect beta cells,” said Donald Scott, Ph.D., a Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Disease) at Icahn Mount Sinai, and a member of DOMI and of The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute. “By using tools we developed that enabled us to interrogate these isoforms independently, we found that ChREBPβ plays a key role in the gradual destruction of β cells. Thus, we believe it is a marker of hyperglycemia and glucose toxicity."

"Moreover, we found that if you remove ChREBPβ or counteract it pharmacologically, you can mitigate the effects of glucose toxicity and protect those cells. This exciting discovery creates an opportunity to develop therapeutic agents that target this molecular mechanism, effectively block ChREBPβ production, and thus preserve β-cell mass. This would not only address the challenge that has driven diabetes research for years but also prevents patients with type 2 diabetes from becoming insulin dependent due to loss of β-cell mass, which would have a significant impact on outcomes and quality of life."

More at link. Hopeful finding, for sure!