Scientists discover novel diabetes and obesity therapy, and
potential cause of major side effects from hedgehog inhibitors used as a cancer
treatment
Cancer, diabetes, and excess body weight have one thing in
common: they alter cellular metabolism. Scientists from the Max Planck
Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg and the Medical
University of Vienna together with an international research team have jointly
resolved a new molecular circuit controlling cellular metabolism. The
previously unknown signalling pathway, acting downstream of the hedgehog
protein enables muscle cells and brown fat cells to absorb sugars without
relying on insulin. Substances that selectively activate the signalling pathway
could thus be utilized in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. With their
results, the researchers are also able to explain why various new anti-cancer
agents have induced mysterious pronounced side effects in the clinics.