Collagen's Connection to Diabetes Uncovered
Scientists at IIT Bombay have discovered that a natural protein within the human body, collagen, is involved in bringing about type-2 diabetes. The research describes how collagen induces the occurrence of amylin aggregation. This inflicts damage to the pancreas and diminishes its capability to produce insulin.
Making Sense of Amylin and Insulin Relationship
Amylin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and insulin. It prevents the blood sugar level from increasing too much after meal intake. In type-2 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin. As a consequence, the blood sugar level increases even when there is insulin.
Collagen-1 Was Found to Destroy Pancreatic Cells
The research points out that a certain collagen called collagen-1 assists amylin in accumulating within the pancreas. This destroys the beta cells responsible for producing insulin. When amylin accumulates as such, it becomes poisonous. This complicates the regulation of blood sugar levels by the body.
Microscopy Technique Offers New Insights
Researchers are now employing a technique known as cryo-electron microscopy. This allows them to observe how amylin and collagen interact. They want to create new medicines that can halt or decelerate this destructive process in diabetes patients.
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