Uncovering the role of IGF-1 in obesity and diabetes

Dissecting the role of endothelial insulin-like growth factor-1 signalling in the vascular and metabolic complications of obesity-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus

Over one billion people worldwide suffer from obesity and/or obesity-related Type 2 diabetes. These disorders are a major cause of heart attacks, heart failure, lower limb amputation and dementia. Modern treatments for Type 2 diabetes only partially combat these risks. We urgently need to find better ways to help people with obesity and diabetes to live well with their conditions. A protein called insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was long thought to only be important during growth. However, more recent research shows that it may also have other important roles in our blood vessels throughout life. Recent work from BHF Professor Mark Kearney and his team suggest that reducing IGF-1 in the blood vessels of obese mice could improve their metabolism and reduce their chance of developing Type 2 diabetes. In this project, the team will further explore how altering IGF-1 can improve the function of fat tissue and blood vessels in obese animals. This project will help find out whether IGF-1 could be a good target for medicines to try to prevent the complications associated with obesity. This project has potential to help the millions of people living with obesity and diabetes to avoid additional ill health complications.