The Role of Amyloidogenic Peptides in Disruption of Insulin Secretion and Action

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease share many common features, including one examined in this thesis: the build-up of proteins into toxic plaque in vital organs. The thesis found that two such proteins, called Amylin and Beta-amyloid, together disrupt the health and function of pancreatic cells that produce insulin and the function of muscle cells. The novel findings provide fundamental insight into how these chronic diseases are linked, which is critical for developing novel therapeutics.