Medical science has made an exciting leap forward.
In a major study, scientists have discovered hundreds of proteins that might help understand and fight chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
These proteins could offer new routes toward creating better treatments.
The International Team Behind the Discovery
The study was led by a top-tier international research team. This included scientists from the University of Cambridge, Queen Mary University of London, and the Berlin Institute of Health in Germany.
Exploring the Human Genome for Answers
In our bodies, we have a thing called the human genome. It’s like a blueprint for creating a human being. The scientists studied over 900 regions of this human genome.
They successfully linked these regions to almost 3,000 proteins in our blood, many of which we didn’t know about before.
The team then used this knowledge to examine genetic studies of hundreds of diseases, finding over 500 connections between genes, proteins, and diseases.
Uncovering Potential Treatments for Diabetes
An exciting finding from the study was the role of a hormone called GRP. The team discovered that people with high levels of GRP are less likely to get type 2 diabetes, possibly because it reduces the chance of becoming overweight.
This suggests that GRP could be a target for preventing or treating diabetes.
Opening Doors for Future Treatments
These findings help us understand hundreds of genome regions better, opening up opportunities for more effective treatments in the future.
Proteins are important parts of the human body, and most drugs today target them.
The Scientists’ Insights and Hopes
Professor Claudia Langenberg, one of the study’s senior authors, explained how their research sheds light on why certain areas of our genome increase the risk of diseases.
By studying thousands of proteins, they were able to clarify around 200 genome regions, offering new potential targets for treatments.
Professor Maik Pietzner, another senior author, highlighted the discovery of a protein named DKKL1. This protein is linked to multiple sclerosis and the reduction of certain immune cells.
He said these early results show the potential of such technologies in finding new drugs, not just for metabolic diseases.
Mine Koprulu, the lead author and a Ph.D. student, emphasized the importance of understanding the biological reasons behind diseases.
Identifying the proteins causing a disease, like diabetes, could lead to safer and more effective treatments. She expressed her gratitude to the EPIC Norfolk volunteers and team for making the research possible.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about the best way to achieve type 2 diabetes remission, and a new COVID-19 drug for people with diabetes.
For more information about diabetes please see recent studies about surgery that can be a cure for type 2 diabetes, and eating this food can cut your diabetes risks.
The study was published in Nature Metabolism.
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