The proteins targeted by Botox treatments could play a significant role in the treatment of diabetes, researchers have said. Scientists from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh are using new molecular microscopic techniques in an attempt to uncover how the body’s release of the hormone insulin is regulated.
The team are focusing on SNARE proteins, which are targeted by Botox treatments because of their effect on muscle contractions.
However, the role of these proteins is far-reaching, and they also play a vital part in the function of the human pancreas, in particular the release of insulin by pancreatic beta-cells.
For the first time the team, led by Dr Colin Rickman, are observing SNARE proteins in these pancreatic beta-cells, which release insulin to try and stabilise blood glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when beta-cells are put under too much pressure to cope with the high glucose levels of some obese patients and eventually, the system fails. The human body has a system for storing glucose and will release it when the body needs energy. This is controlled by the release of insulin, however when glucose levels are high and the body is struggling to cope, it will secrete less insulin.
It’s estimated that five million people in the UK will have diabetes by 2025.
Dr Rickman said: “We know SNARE proteins are responsible for insulin secretion, but it’s still not understood exactly how they do it.
“This is the first time these proteins have ever been observed in such detail. Ultimately this could lead to new methods of diagnosis, prevention of the cells’ failure that leads to diabetes and also treatments for Type 2 diabetes.”