Protein kinase MST 1 – the key to a new diabetes therapy

Researchers of molecular diabetology at the University of Bremen have now identified a key protein, protein kinase MST-1, which is responsible for the death of these insulin-producing cells due to apoptosis (programmed cell death) and thus for the formation of the diabetes disease. This is valid for both forms of diabetes, namely the autoimmune type 1 and type 2, which depends on age and obesity. More than 7 million people are affected by this disease in Germany.
The scientists are carrying out intensive research on the involvement of the protein kinase MST-1 in the apoptopic processes in the beta cells.
In laboratory models, it was possible to demonstrate that the targeted inhibition of MST-1 was able to maintain the secretion of insulin and prevent the disease from progressing. Assays have been developed which can be used by means of in vivo and in vitro tests to show which MST1 inhibitors can prevent diabetes.
A worldwide patent is applied for this new approach. Companies are addressed which may are interested in a license or cooperation with the university of Bremen.

Further information: PDF

InnoWi GmbH
Phone: +49 (0)421/9600-722

Contact
Cornelia Sitte

As Germany's association of technology- and patenttransfer agencies TechnologieAllianz e.V. is offering businesses access to the entire range of innovative research results of almost all German universities and numerous non-university research institutions. More than 2000 technology offers of 14 branches are beeing made accessable to businesses in order to assure your advance on the market. At www.technologieallianz.de a free, fast and non-bureaucratic access to all further offers of the German research landscape is offered to our members aiming to sucessfully transfer technologies.