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, an associate professor at JAX, and his team identified genes and pathways that connect cell stress to diabetes risk. They found that over 5,000 genes change their expression in response to stress, affecting insulin production. Importantly, 86 regulatory DNA regions linked to diabetes risk were altered by stress.
Potential Treatments
The study highlights the gene MAP3K5, which affects cell death under stress. Blocking this gene made cells more resilient. A drug called Selonsertib, targeting MAP3K5, is in trials and may help prevent diabetes by protecting cells from stress.
Stitzel hopes these findings will lead to new treatments for diabetes by making pancreatic cells more stress-resistant.
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 the blood.
Genetics -: Genetics is the study of how traits like eye color or risk for certain diseases are passed from parents to children through genes, which are like tiny instructions in our bodies.
Type 2 Diabetes -: Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels, and is often related to lifestyle and genetic factors.
The Jackson Laboratory -: The Jackson Laboratory is a research institute in the United States where scientists study genetics and diseases to find new treatments.
DNA Variations -: DNA variations are small differences in our genetic code that can affect how our bodies work and can sometimes increase the risk of diseases like diabetes.
Gene Expression -: Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used to make proteins or other molecules that perform functions in the body.
MAP3K5 -: MAP3K5 is a specific gene that, when blocked, can help cells handle stress better, which might protect against diabetes.
Selonsertib -: Selonsertib is a drug being tested to see if it can help protect pancreatic cells from stress, potentially preventing diabetes.
Cell Stress Resistance -: Cell stress resistance is the ability of cells to withstand stress, which can help them function better and avoid damage that might lead to diseases like diabetes.