Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made a discovery that could revolutionize our understanding of type 2 diabetes. They’ve identified a novel enzyme called SCAN (SNO-CoA-assisted nitrosylase) that plays a crucial role in a process known as S-nitrosylation.1
This finding may explain why insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar, sometimes stops working effectively in people with diabetes.
What is S-nitrosylation & Why is it Important?
S-nitrosylation is a process that turns nitric oxide (NO) into a messenger molecule capable of sharing information between cells. It’s similar to putting a stamp on a letter, allowing the message to be delivered to its intended recipient.
This process is crucial for various bodily functions, including:
- Nervous system operation
- Immune system regulation
- Blood vessel dilation
Interestingly, dysregulation of S-nitrosylation has been linked to several health conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and asthma.(ref)
How Does SCAN Relate to Diabetes?
The newly discovered SCAN enzyme helps attach nitric oxide to specific proteins, including insulin receptors. Here’s what the researchers found:
- SCAN activity is essential for normal insulin action.
- In humans and mice with insulin resistance, SCAN activity appears to be heightened.
- When SCAN was inhibited in mouse models of diabetes, the animals did not show typical diabetes symptoms.
These findings suggest that type 2 diabetes may be driven by an overabundance of nitric oxide attaching to proteins like insulin receptors. This excessive attachment could be interfering with insulin’s ability to function properly.
What are the Implications of This Discovery?
The identification of SCAN and its role in S-nitrosylation opens up new avenues for diabetes research and treatment:
New treatment targets
Enzymes like SCAN that attach nitric oxide to receptors could be valuable targets for future diabetes treatments.
Potential for new drugs
By developing medications that block or regulate SCAN activity, scientists may be able to treat at least some types of diabetes more effectively.
Broader implications
This discovery could have implications beyond diabetes, potentially offering insights into other conditions associated with dysregulation of S-nitrosylation.
What’s Next in Diabetes Research?
While this discovery is exciting, it’s important to note that it primarily relates to type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, which is caused by a lack of insulin production, would likely require a different approach to treatment.
Moving forward, researchers will likely focus on:
- Further understanding the role of SCAN in insulin resistance
- Developing potential drugs that can target SCAN activity
- Exploring how this discovery might apply to other health conditions
As Dr. Jonathan Stamler, the study’s lead author, explains: “This paper shows that dedicated enzymes mediate the many effects of nitric oxide… Here, we discover an enzyme that puts nitric oxide on the insulin receptor to control insulin. Too much enzyme activity causes diabetes. But a case is made for many enzymes putting nitric oxide on many proteins, and, thus, new treatments for many diseases.”
This research represents a significant step forward in our understanding of diabetes and could pave the way for new and more effective treatments in the future.
Source:
1. Case Western Reserve University
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.