Clustered Islet Amyloid Polypeptides May Contribute To Diabetes
Posted Jan 31 2010 12:00am
Research out of the UCLA suggests that small clusters of islet amyloid polypeptides (IAPPs) may contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The work has been published in the February 2010 issue of The American Journal of Pathology.
Loss of beta cell function in Type 2 diabetes is often associated with the accumulation of IAPPs in much the same way this process is seen in the development of some neuro-degenerative diseases (Huntington's disease, Parkinson's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease).
The IAPPs accumulate in the beta cells and disrupt membranes required for proper insulin secretion. The may also disrupt mitochondrial membranes in a process that leads to cell death.
Loss of beta cell function in Type 2 diabetes is often associated with the accumulation of IAPPs in much the same way this process is seen in the development of some neuro-degenerative diseases (Huntington's disease, Parkinson's syndrome and
Alzheimer's disease).
The IAPPs accumulate in the beta cells and disrupt membranes required for proper insulin secretion. The may also disrupt mitochondrial membranes in a process that leads to cell death.
The full Science Daily article is here.
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