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| Postdoctoral research Sam McCalpin and Professor Ayyalusamy "Rams" Ramamoorthy |
Researcher at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have shed light on the intricate relationship between zinc, pH levels, insulin, and the hormone amylin. The study, published in Communications Biology, offers promising avenues for innovative treatments for the chronic disease, which affects an estimated 462 million people worldwide.
The new research led by Professor Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy shows that Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body's inability to properly use sugar as fuel, leading to a dangerous buildup of sugar in the blood. This condition can result in serious health issues, including heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage. The research focused on understanding the complex effects of insulin on amylin's aggregation and its resultant toxicity, which are critical factors in the pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes.
Amylin, also known as human islet amyloid polypeptide (hiAPP), is a naturally occurring peptide hormone that helps regulate glycemia and energy balance. However, amylin can form amyloid fibers, which can destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This study explores the potential of insulin to inhibit the harmful aggregation of amylin, a process that can lead to the formation of amyloid plaques similar to those found in Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
"Our research aims to understand the complex effects of insulin on amylin's aggregation and its resultant toxicity," said Ramamoorthy. "These factors are crucial for understanding Type 2 diabetes pathophysiology."
The study's innovative approach to enhancing insulin's protective capabilities against IAPP's harmful effects sets it apart from previous research. As the research progresses, it could lead to new treatments for the millions of people grappling with Type 2 diabetes.
"Amylin tends to cluster into harmful amyloid plaques, devastating the islet cells responsible for hormone production," explained Sam McCalpin, a post-doctoral researcher in the Ramamoorthy lab at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. "However, insulin shows capabilities to hinder amylin's aggregation. This study unravels the nuances of their interaction, alongside the roles of zinc and pH levels, bringing scientists closer to decoding the cellular intricacies of diabetes."
The research team is interested in developing drugs that can break up these harmful aggregates or stop them from forming. The study's findings promise not only groundbreaking insights into this biomedical mystery but also practical solutions. The research will help in the development of drugs aimed at neutralizing amylin's toxicity, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches and offering hope to those battling this pervasive illness.
Co-authors on this research include Bernd Reif from the Technical University of Munich, Madalena Ivanova from the University of Michigan, and Lucie Khemtemourian from the University of Bordeaux. The project was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases.
This breakthrough research highlights the potential for insulin to serve as a model for engineering more effective treatments in the future. As the study continues, it could lead to significant advancements in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, offering new hope to millions of people around the world.