Understanding Pancreatic Cell Stress and Type 2 Diabetes
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) have discovered that pancreatic cells, like human cells, can only handle so much stress before breaking down. This stress, caused by factors like inflammation and high blood sugar, can lead to type 2 diabetes. The study found that DNA variations linked to diabetes risk affect how these cells handle stress.
Key Findings
Michael L. Stitzel and Dugyu Ucar, researchers at JAX, found that stress and inflammation can harm insulin-producing cells in people with certain genetic changes. They aim to develop new treatments by targeting affected genes and pathways.
Cell Stress and Gene Expression
The team exposed healthy islet cells to stress and observed changes in RNA and DNA. They found that over 5,000 genes change expression in response to stress, affecting insulin production. Two separate stress pathways were identified, each playing a role in diabetes.
Genetic Variants and Diabetes Risk
Some DNA regions altered by stress contain genetic variants linked to diabetes risk. This suggests that people with these variants may have cells that respond poorly to stress.
Potential Treatments
The study highlights the MAP3K5 gene, which affects cell death under stress. Blocking this gene made cells more resilient. A drug, Selonsertib, targeting MAP3K5, is in trials and may help prevent diabetes by protecting islet cells.
Stitzel emphasizes the need for further research to explore the drug’s potential in preventing diabetes.
Doubts Revealed
Pancreatic Cell -: Pancreatic cells are special cells in the pancreas, an organ in our body, that help make insulin, a hormone that controls sugar levels in our blood.
Genetics -: Genetics refers to the study of genes, which are like instructions in our body that determine how we look and how our body works. They are passed down from our parents.
Type 2 Diabetes -: Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. It is often related to lifestyle and genetic factors.
The Jackson Laboratory -: The Jackson Laboratory is a research institute in the United States that studies genetics and diseases to find new treatments and cures.
DNA Variations -: DNA variations are small differences in our genetic code that can affect how our body functions and our risk of developing certain diseases.
Insulin -: Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps control the amount of sugar in the blood. It allows sugar to enter cells to be used for energy.
MAP3K5 Gene -: The MAP3K5 gene is a part of our DNA that helps control how cells respond to stress and can lead to cell death if not regulated properly.
Selonsertib -: Selonsertib is a medicine being tested to see if it can protect pancreatic cells from stress and prevent diabetes by targeting the MAP3K5 gene.
Islet Cells -: Islet cells are groups of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and other hormones to help regulate blood sugar levels.
