Newswise — LA JOLLA-Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States suffer from diabetes. As one of the world’s preeminent centers for basic biological research, the Salk Institute investigates diabetes from several angles, ranging from the genetic switches that regulate insulin levels to how circadian rhythms affect susceptibility.
Some of the Institute’s recent significant advances include:
• One injection stops diabetes in its tracksIn mice with diet-induced diabetes—the equivalent of type 2 diabetes in humans—a single injection of the protein FGF1 is enough to restore blood sugar levels to a healthy range for more than two days. The discovery by Salk scientists, published in Nature could lead to a new generation of safer, more effective diabetes drugs. Faculty Expert: Ronald Evans, Video
• Scientists discover a 'good' fat that fights diabetesSalk researchers discovered a new class of molecules–produced in human and mouse fat–that protects against diabetes. Giving new lipids to mice with the equivalent of type 2 diabetes lowered their elevated blood sugar, as detailed in Cell. Levels of the new lipids are low in humans with a high risk for diabetes, suggesting that the lipids could be used as a therapy for metabolic disorders.Faculty Expert: Alan Saghatelian, Video
• "Fasting pathway" points the way to new class of diabetes drugsA uniquely collaborative study published in Cell uncovered a novel mechanism that turns up glucose production in the liver when blood sugar levels drop, pointing towards a new class of drugs for the treatment of metabolic disease.Faculty Expert: Reuben Shaw, Video
For many more research advances in the area of diabetes and metabolism, please visit: http://www.salk.edu/ra/diabetes.html. To talk with an expert or for more information, please contact [email protected].
About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world's preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probes fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer's, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology and related disciplines.
Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, MD, the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.
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