Scientists’ discovery could prove a breakthrough for diabetes

Aug 21 2007 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post

RESEARCHERS at Liverpool University believe a molecule that can “taste sweets” could lead to better treatment for diabetes.

Scientists carrying out research into the disease say they have found that the sweet taste recep-tor, that senses sugar and sweet-eners, is not only present in the tongue – but also in the intestine.

They are now trying to harness it and use it like a “dimmer switch” which they believe could lead to improved treatment for the illness which is caused by a high-er then normal blood sugar level.

Professor Soraya Shirazi-Beechey, from the University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, announced the discovery of the molecule in the intestine.

Prof Shirazi-Beechey said: “We found that the sweet taste recep-tor and the taste protein, gustducin, are present in the taste cells of the gut. These sweet sensing proteins allow humans and animals to detect glucose within the intestine.

“We discovered that mice miss-ing the gene for either of these proteins were unable to process the production of the intestinal sugar and were therefore unable to regulate the intestinal capacity to absorb dietary sugars.”

The molecule is important because it determines how much sugar is absorbed by the body. If researchers can discover how to manipulate the molecule, then they can control how much sugar is absorbed by the intestine. The professor said: “Once it identifies the sweets, it sends signals to another molecule that regulates the levels of sugar taken into the body.

“For example, with a dimmer switch you can control the level of light in the room. That’s what we are trying to do.

“We are trying to control the switch – the molecule – to increase or decrease the amount of sugar that is absorbed by the body.”

Prof Shirazi-Beechey said that those who use artificial sweetener and think they are going to lose weight are mistaken.

She said: “Surprisingly we also found that the receptor was able to detect artificial sweeteners in foods and drinks resulting in increased capacity of the intestine to absorb dietary sugars, which would explain why these sweeteners are unsuccessful at helping people lose weight.”

Prof Shirazi-Beechey and her team are trying to come up with a food supplement that can control the molecule.

The study is still in the early stages and tests are being carried out on mice.

The researchers also say that besides a possible cure for diabetes, being able to control this molecule can help those with obesity and could help race horses retain a high level of sugar to sustain them for long races.

The research is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.