Mixed lineage kinases and metabolic disorders
Methods of treating metabolic stress disorders are disclosed that include administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that specifically inhibits the expression or activity of a mixed lineage kinase (MLK). Also disclosed are methods of identifying candidate compounds for treatment of metabolic stress disorders and methods of diagnosing metabolic stress disorders.
1. A method of treating type 2 diabetes in a subject, the method comprising:
identifying a subject having or at risk for type 2 diabetes; and
administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that specifically inhibits the expression or activity of a mixed lineage kinase (MLK), thereby treating type 2 diabetes in the subject.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject is a human.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a specific inhibitor of MLK activity.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the composition is CEP-1347, CEP-11004, or K252a.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the composition is an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the antibody is an intrabody.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a specific inhibitor of MLK expression.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the composition is an inhibitory nucleic acid.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the inhibitory nucleic acid is an antisense nucleic acid or a mediator of RNA inhibition (RNAi).
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the MLK is MLK1, MLK2, MLK3, or MLK4.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the MLK is MLK3.