Archive · 1 Jul 2025
IIT Bombay Study: Collagen Protein Worsens Type 2 Diabetes
Scientists have found that the most common protein in our bodies, called collagen, might be making type 2 diabetes worse.
In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it properly.
The scientists discovered that collagen helps another substance, amylin, clump together.
These clumps damage the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
This makes it harder for the body to control blood sugar levels.
The researchers are now working on new ways to stop this process and potentially fix the damage to the pancreas to help people with diabetes.
IIT Bombay researchers found that collagen I accelerates amylin aggregation, worsening type 2 diabetes.
Amylin aggregation damages insulin-producing beta cells, reducing the body's ability to control blood sugar.
Researchers examined pancreatic tissue from diabetic mice and human pancreatic tissue, finding links between collagen and amylin.
The study suggests that current diabetes treatments may be ineffective without addressing the interaction between amylin and collagen.
Researchers are developing models to guide new drug development and exploring ways to repair the pancreas.
- Who
- Researchers at IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur and CNCI, Kolkata.
- What
- IIT Bombay researchers discovered collagen I accelerates amylin aggregation, which worsens type 2 diabetes.
- When
- Research conducted by IIT Bombay.
- Where
- IIT Bombay.
- Why
- To understand the mechanisms driving the progression of type 2 diabetes and develop potential treatments.
Current Diabetes Treatments
New Treatment Approaches
Treatment Effectiveness
Current Diabetes Treatments
May not fully address the interaction between amylin and collagen.
New Treatment Approaches
Focus on intracellular processes.
- Protein Involved
- Collagen I and Amylin
- Research Location
- IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, CNCI Kolkata
- Focus
- Type 2 diabetes progression
- Finding
- Collagen I accelerates amylin aggregation
- Impact
- Damages insulin-producing cells
- Goal
- Develop new drugs and explore ways to repair pancreas.