Science Market Update

U Michigan Research Finds Zinc May Help Cure Type 2 Diabetes

Posted by BCI Staff on Thu, Nov 10, 2011

Research at the University of Michigan shows that zinc may help alleviate or stop cellular damage from type 2 diabetes. The research appears in the Journal of Molecular Biology.

In normal people, a careful balance is maintained in the pancreas between leveles of zinc and levels of a protein called amylin.  When the correct amount of each molecule is present in the body, the amylin actually helps regulate blood sugar.

Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, professor of biophysics and chemistry at the University of Michigan said, “Amylin is helpful because zinc acts like a security guard at a rock concert, whose job is to keep fans from turning troublesome and destructive."

 research scientist

(Image courtesy of UM)

The pancreas of type 2 diabetes patients, however, have extremely low levels of zinc.  This causes amylin to clump together, forming long ribbon-like structures called fibrils, ultimately shutting down insulin-producing cells. 

These clumps and fibrils of amylin are associated with many degenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's.

The research was done in a controlled, artificial environment.  In living organisms, zinc levels are in constant fluctuation.  Ramamoorthy wants to conduct more research in conditions that mimic a natural environment.

 The results from the study will hopefully help speed the development of metal-based therapies and treatments for type 2 diabetes. 

 Are you a scientist looking to connect with lab suppliers and to learn about research solutions or a supplier of life science laboratory tools in Michigan? Come network with researchers and industry professionals in person at a BioResearch Product Faire™ Event on either the University of Michigan or Michigan State campus in July:

Michigan State University Information

Tags: University of Michigan, Midwest, biomedical research, Michigan

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