Researchers at the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre have made a groundbreaking discovery that could significantly impact the cardiovascular health of individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study has identified a biological pathway involving a protein called SEC61B, which is markedly increased in the platelets of people with the condition.
This finding could eventually lead to new treatments aimed at reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, was led by Freda Passam, an associate professor in the Central Clinical School, and Mark Larance, an associate professor in the School of Medical Sciences.
According to the study, SEC61B disrupts calcium levels within platelets, causing them to become overly reactive and more likely to form dangerous clots. This discovery not only elucidates why people with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for blood clots but also identifies SEC61B as a potential target for new therapies.
“People living with type 2 diabetes are vulnerable to increased risk of blood clots,” Passam said in a news release. “These exciting findings identify a whole new way to reduce this risk and help prevent life-threatening complications like heart attack and stroke.”
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among those with type 2 diabetes, partly due to the heightened activity of platelets. This increased sensitivity to clotting limits the effectiveness of traditional anti-coagulant treatments.
The research team used advanced proteomic techniques to analyze human and mouse platelets, discovering that SEC61B contributes to calcium leakage within these cells, increasing their reactivity. Blocking SEC61B activity with the antibiotic anisomycin reduced platelet clumping in both human samples and animal models.
While treatments targeting SEC61B are still in the early stages, the researchers are optimistic. Pre-clinical trials in animals could begin within the next one to two years, with potential patient therapies on the horizon in the next decade.
This research holds promise for transforming the treatment landscape for type 2 diabetes, providing hope for millions of people at risk of cardiovascular complications.
Source: University of Sydney