ATCC Scientists Uncover Novel Biomarkers for Type 2 Diabetes.

MANASSAS, Va. -- ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) today announced that scientists at the organization have identified novel biological markers for type 2 diabetes.

The multidisciplinary ATCC team mapped proteins and patterns of gene expression in animal (rat) models of human type 2 diabetes, and uncovered 27 proteins that were expressed at different levels in healthy and diabetic rats. Of those, six proteins linked to diabetes resistance and sensitivity had not been described previously.

By analyzing gene expression levels, the scientists found patterns that differed depending on how far the disease had progressed, opening the possibility that these expression patterns could serve as indicators for predisposition to and development of type 2 diabetes.

"ATCC takes an integrated approach to biomarker discovery, using genomics, proteomics and immunology," said Dr. Cohava Gelber, ATCC Chief Science and Technology Officer. "The work by the ATCC team is a wonderful example of translational research that highlights another way ATCC promotes the discovery of reagents and medicines, and advances science for the benefit of the research community and the general public."

Diabetes -- an impaired ability to produce or properly use the hormone insulin to convert sugars and starches into energy -- increases the risk for other serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, blindness and damage to the kidneys and nerves. Early signs of diabetes include elevated blood glucose levels (pre-diabetes).

Treatment early in the progression of the disease can postpone or prevent diabetes, but few of the estimated 54 million pre-diabetics in the U.S. are identified and treated because no simple laboratory test exists to assess an individual's risk of developing diabetes. The work by the ATCC team could help assess diabetes risk and prevent future complications.

In the biomarker studies, the ATCC researchers used Cohen Diabetic (CD) rats, which manifest many common clinical features of human type 2 diabetes. They examined protein expression in pancreas tissue, serum and epididymal fat from rats, as well as in serum proteins from diabetic patients. The differentially expressed proteins found by the ATCC team are associated with a host of physiological processes, such as inflammation, insulin signaling and lipid metabolism.

ATCC has filed an application for an international patent involving the diabetes biomarkers under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

In addition to diabetes, research teams at ATCC are developing biomarkers and methods of use for other major chronic health problems, such as lung, pancreatic and colon cancers.

ATCC scientists presented posters about the biomarkers at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions meeting in Chicago in June and will present the research at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes conference in Amsterdam in September.

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