An international team of researchers have discovered how a specific gene within the pancreas affects secretion of insulin. The study opens the way for a new understanding of possible ways to fight diabetes and diabetes related health problems.

Blood glucose levels are tightly regulated by secretion of insulin from beta cells in the pancreas. Defective insulin secretion results in poorly regulated blood glucose levels and diabetes.

Image: Representaion of insulin molecule.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys its own insulin-producing cells and cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes patients cannot use the insulin they produce effectively. Type 2 diabetes makes up the majority of diabetes cases (85%-95%).  Diabetes now affects seven percent of the world's adult population.

The researchers explored the role of LKB1, a gene involved in many cellular functions, whose role in the pancreas was not examined before. Specifically, they studied the implications of beta cell-specific loss of the LKB1 gene, using a mouse model system. They were able to show that eliminating this gene from beta cells causes the production and secretion of more insulin than normal beta cells, resulting in an enhanced response to increases in blood glucose levels.

The study results have potentially great implications for those suffering from diabetes due to insufficient production of insulin in the pancreas.
References:
1. Yuval Dor, et al. LKB1 Regulates Pancreatic β Cell Size, Polarity, and Function. Cell Metabolism, Volume 10, Issue 4, 7 October 2009, Pages 296-308.