Ashcroft expands on what is known about the KATP channel and its role in insulin secretion. It is an octomeric complex composed of 4 Kir6.2 subunits and 4 SUR1 subunits. ATP binds to both proteins, and changes in metabolically generated ATP couple metabolism to KATP channel activity. Functional studies showed that the KATP channel mutations found in neonatal diabetes impair the ability of ATP to close the channel and stimulate insulin release. This suggested that drugs that could directly close the KATP channel would stimulate insulin release and might be a good therapy for neonatal diabetes. Sulfonylurea drugs were already known to directly close the KATP channel and have been safely used to treat type 2 diabetes for many years. Based on this knowledge, many patients with neonatal diabetes have now switched from insulin injections to oral sulfonylurea drugs. This has resulted in much better glucose control. Ashcroft goes on to explain how insights from studying neonatal diabetes have also led to a better understanding of the impact of chronic hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.
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Neonatal Diabetes and ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels
Frances Ashcroft and her colleagues have identified mutations in a potassium channel as the cause of neonatal diabetes. Their discovery vastly improved treatment for patients. (Talk recorded in July 2017)
- Part 1: Diabetes: A Global PandemicAudience:
- General Public
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 22:53 - Part 2: ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels and Neonatal Diabetes: From Molecule to MaladyAudience:
- Researcher
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 29:28