In a study published recently in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, researchers have identified two genes, NR4A3 and NR4A1, which seem to boost insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue, and may thus be potential targets for counteracting insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes patients.

Our findings show that these two proteins help sensitize muscle to insulin, promoting glucose uptake and thus keeping glucose levels within healthy limits."

[The authors] also found that both genes were under-expressed in animal models with diabetes, leading to increased insulin resistance.

"In simple terms, the abundant presence of these proteins in the body is a positive factor for avoiding diabetes, while their absence is associated with increased incidence of the disease," Garvey said. "By better understanding the biologic underpinnings of the disease, we can begin to find novel therapeutic targets to decrease insulin resistance."

The researchers will now be screening for promising molecules that may interact with and promote the presence of NR4A3 and NR4A1.

Source: UAB