PhD student unlocks diabetes insulin mystery

[Mr. McD]

A Sydney PhD student Freddy Yip has solved a problem plaguing researchers worldwide for more than half a century - how insulin prompts fat and muscle cells to absorb glucose.

"In the cell we have series of motor proteins that have the ability to move other molecules from one place to another along intracellular railroad tracks," Mr Yip said.

"I have discovered that insulin activates a specific kind of motor protein known as Myo1c, which in turn performs a critical role in glucose uptake."

The motor protein helps move glucose transporter proteins from inside the cell to the surface membrane so that they can pump glucose into the cell.

The findings offer up a new target for diabetes treatment.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24605764-29277,00.html

[aquart]

1. Thank you, Mr. Yip.

And may you never end up selling used cars.

[amdezurik]

2. if he can cure my nephews and others diabieties

I will be happy, no thrilled to call them Yippies!

[aquart]

4. It will be a very proud name indeed.

[LynzM]

3. Wow!

That's cool... can't wait to see where it goes! :) (Insulin-dependent since age 9, myself...)