Promoting GLUT4 Translocation in Diabetes with MGF E-Domain Peptides
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases with age, and 50%-80% of those 65 years and older will be diagnosed or have undiagnosed diabetes. Presently, the majorities of diabetes healthcare-related costs are spent on older adults and are expected to continue to escalate. Insulin is the major metabolic hormone that stimulates the transfer of sugar from the blood into the tissues of the body. Sugar in the form of glucose is the major fuel source for the tissues such as skeletal muscle where it is used to allow the muscles to contract. Skeletal muscles make up the largest tissue in the human body, and while they are responsible for movement, they also take up and store excess glucose for when needed. A form of type 2 diabetes known as insulin-resistant diabetes is characterized by normal levels of insulin in the body, but a limited response of the tissues to that insulin. This results in an inability of the tissues to take the sugar from the blood, leading to elevated blood sugar levels known as hyperglycemia, and is a major cause in the development of diabetes. Modern day Western diets with high levels of sugar exacerbate this situation and lead to even more dangerous health issues. This project adopts a novel approach to engaging the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) family of protein expressed in the muscles. IGF-1 is known to mediate physiologic adaptations of muscle in response to exercise and exerts metabolic regulation similar to insulin. This project will focus on the actions of a particular IGF-1 protein, known as Mechano-growth factor (MGF), because it regulates the actions of the major glucose transporter protein (GLUT4) in muscle. Using short pieces of the MGF protein (also known as peptide mimetics), it is proposed that these components will be sufficient to stimulate glucose uptake via the glucose transporter GLUT4 in diabetic tissues such as skeletal muscles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1710094
Entities
People
- Paul Goldspink
Organizations
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- United States Army