‘Molecular glue’ protects against type 2 diabetes damage
TU/e researchers developed 'molecular glue' to protect beta cells from type 2 diabetes damage, offering hope for new treatments.
Published on March 21, 2025
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Scientists from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) have developed a novel 'molecular glue' that protects insulin-producing beta cells from damage caused by type 2 diabetes. This innovative approach targets a key protein involved in glucose processing, offering a promising new avenue for managing the disease.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). It occurs when the body resists insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose for energy. Over time, this resistance leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage various organs, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. While manageable through diet, exercise, and medication, type 2 diabetes has no cure, and many patients eventually require insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels.
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The innovative solution
The TU/e researchers, in collaboration with the University of Duisburg-Essen and Mount Sinai in New York, have developed specialized 'glue molecules' designed to protect beta cells from this damage. These molecules target a protein called ChREBP, which is essential for glucose processing within beta cells. Under normal conditions, ChREBP helps regulate blood sugar levels by promoting insulin production. However, in the presence of high sugar and fat levels, ChREBP can become hyperactive, leading to beta cell destruction.
Beta cells, located in the pancreas, play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by producing insulin. In type 2 diabetes, prolonged exposure to high glucose and fat levels can damage these cells, leading to a decline in insulin production and making it increasingly difficult for the body to manage blood sugar.
The 'molecular glue' works by trapping ChREBP in the cell's cytoplasm, preventing it from entering the nucleus and triggering harmful effects. In laboratory tests on human beta cells, these glue molecules significantly reduced the damage caused by this process. Their study was published in Nature Communications.
Future prospects
The research team is now focused on refining these molecules and testing them in preclinical conditions to determine their suitability for clinical development. The ultimate goal is to develop a pill-like medication that offers a less invasive treatment option for type 2 diabetes patients.
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