DREAM scientists describe novel role for an old protein.

A protein that was originally thought to be key player in obesity seems to play an important role in the daily rhythms of insulin secretion.

Insulin is a critical hormone involved in maintaining blood glucose. A lack of insulin or a failure of the body to respond to it is a central feature of diabetes. Insulin levels rise and fall throughout the day in a predictable manner or specifically, follows a circadian rhythm.

DREAM scientists recently found that an important protein involved in energy metabolism helps control insulins circadian rhythm and how it responds to a rise in blood sugar.

This may help unlock the mystery of why the insulin producing cells of the pancreas fail in the setting of type 2 diabetes, particularly among individuals who work night shifts.

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