Target for diabetes treatment and prevention
The present invention relates to the identification of ALMS1 as the missing player involved in the regulation of the insulin-mediated glucose uptake through GLUT4 sorting vesicles, and to the down-regulation of ALMS1 by αPKC. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a molecule capable of preventing the binding of αPKC on ALMS1 for use for treating or preventing diabetes, in particular type 2 diabetes. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for identifying molecule capable of preventing the binding of αPKC on ALMS1.
1. A method of treating or delaying the progression or onset of diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, hyperglycemia, obesity, or hyperinsulinaemia in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering a peptide that inhibits the binding of αPKC (Protein Kinase C alpha type) to ALMS1 (Alstrom syndrome protein 1), wherein the peptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 14 or is a stapled peptide consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method treats or delays the progression or onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the subject.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the peptide consists of SEQ. ID NO: 14 and is stapled.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 14.
5. A method of stimulating glucose uptake by adipocytes in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering a peptide that inhibits the binding of αPKC (Protein Kinase C alpha type) to ALMS1 (Alstrom syndrome protein 1), wherein the peptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 14 or is a stapled peptide consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14.
6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the method treats or delays the progression or onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the subject.
7. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the peptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 14 and is stapled.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the peptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 14.