A gene commonly studied by cancer researchers may provide answers to ways of fighting diabetes, a new study shows.
The gene, known in the science world as PFKFB3, is a regulator for metabolism, which plays a vital role in the development of diabetes, according to the study appearing in the Dec. Journal of Biological Chemistry.
The gene has been linked to the metabolic inflammation that leads to diabetes.
Understanding how the gene works means scientists may be closer to finding ways to prevent or cure diabetes, said the study conducted by researchers at Texas AgriLife Research.
"Because we understand the mechanism, or how the gene works, we believe a focus on nutrition will find the way to both prevent and reverse
diabetes," said Dr. Chaodong Wu, AgriLife Research nutrition and food scientist who authored the paper with the University of Minnesota's Dr. Yuqing Hou.
Wu said the research team will collaborate with nutritionists to identify what changes or supplements in a diet will activate the gene to
prevent or stop the progression of diabetes.
He believes nutritionists working with the biological chemists can help develop food consumption plans that either prevent people from developing metabolic inflammation or cause existing conditions to retreat.
"First we will need to identify what effective compounds will trigger the gene to regulate metabolism," Wu said. "Then we need to determine what combinations within foods are more effective."
Wu noted that while it is a major health concern in the U.S., obesity does not necessarily cause diabetes to develop; i.e., just because a person is overweight does not mean they have diabetes. Rather, "metabolic inflammation" causes or exacerbates the disease.
Metabolic inflammation is different from classic inflammation because there is no infection, virus or bacteria present, though the symptoms appear similar.