Map of thousands of genes suggests new targets for diabetes. The scientists demonstrated knocking out clock genes led to obesity and type 2 diabetes, but they still had much to learn if they wanted to manipulate clock action to treat the conditions.”We knew that the pancreas didn’t work if we removed these clock genes, but we didn’t know how the genes were affecting the normal function of the pancreas,” said Dr. Joe Bass.
Clock genes are responsible for producing transcription factors, which help tell a cell how to function. In the new study Bass’s laboratory revealed thousands of genes in the pancreas that the clock’s transcription factors control in rhythm with the planet’s daily rotation from light to dark. “We established a new gene map that shows how the entire repertoire of factors produced in the pancreas maintain and anticipate daily changes in the external environment,” Bass said. “These factors are all tied to the rotation of Earth – to the timekeeping mechanism that has evolved to control when we sleep, wake up, eat and store nutrients each day.”
Using genome-wide sequencing technology on pancreatic beta cells with both intact and disrupted clock gene function, the scientists were able to lay out the map of transcription factors and genes. In ongoing research, Bass’s group continues to study how the body’s circadian clocks interact and how their rhythm is thrown off – not just in diabetes, but also during the normal aging process and from day-to-day conditions like jetlag, stress or dietary changes.
“This study reinforces the idea that clocks operating in cells are fundamental to health,” Bass said. “They represent an important untapped target for improving the functions of cells in the pancreas.” http://news.feinberg.northwestern.edu/2015/11/circadian-clock-controls-insulin-and-blood-sugar-regulation/
Recent Comments