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Regulator of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Discovered

Physical activity is not only important for fitness, but also for health. This is confirmed by a new study conducted under the direction of Prof. Dr. Maximilian Kleinert at the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE). His team discovered that the protein PanK4 plays a crucial role in the energy metabolism of skeletal muscles. It regulates glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation and is activated by physical exercise.
Gray box with a large screen showing an image with vertical bands of varying brightness. Two hands in green gloves drag the image to the current size.

Images of a DNA agarose gel: Each bright band represents a DNA fragment that is of interest for the identification of gene expression, e.g. in the desired mouse model. © David Ausserhofer/DIfE

 

The study suggests that PanK4 could be a promising approach for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The results have now been published in the journal ‘Nature Communications.’

Detailed information in our press release