NEW YORK, April 4 U.S. scientists have identified a protein as an important partner in the insulin-mediated uptake of glucose by cells, advancing type 2 diabetes research.The discovery by Weill Cornell Medical College researchers opens the way to potential new drug targets for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes."Glucose gets into muscle and fat cells assisted by a special transporter called GLUT4," explained senior researcher Dr. Timothy McGraw. "In our study, when the protein (Rab10) was eliminated or its activity switched off, insulin was no longer able to properly trigger the recruitment of the GLUT4 glucose transporter to the surface of cells. "The recruitment of GLUT4 to the cell surface increases glucose movement from the blood into cells, where the glucose is stored for future use," he added. "Thus, Rab10 is involved in the insulin regulation of blood glucose levels. A disruption in the regulation of blood glucose levels, a condition called 'insulin insensitivity,' is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, a disease that affects nearly 20 million Americans." The research is detailed in the April issue of the journal Cell Metabolism.Copyright 2007 by UPI
