The unsuspected role of a protein named SHP-1 that could constitute a new therapeutic path against Type 2 diabetes have been identified by a research study funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA).

It has been known to the researchers that SHP-1 played a role in regulating the immune system but nobody verified if this protein was involved on the regulation of metabolism. In a mice study, the research team looked into this.

"Our results indicate that these mice are extremely sensitive to insulin and, consequently, they are very effective in metabolising glucose at the level of the liver and the muscles," notes Andr・Marette. In addition, the researchers highlighted that SHP-1 inhibits the decomposition of insulin by the liver. "This could explain the increase in the insulin concentrations of certain metabolic disorders associated with obesity," indicates the researcher.

Through this protein (SHP-1), doors will open in the search for potential treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Read more at EurekAlert.