| Theme |
The Roles of Gut Physiological Active Peptides in the Control of Nutrition and Metabolism |
| Title |
Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (Amylin) and Diabetes |
| Author |
Tokio Sanke |
Institute for Diabetes, Fuchu Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
The islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) or amylin is a 37 amino-acid peptide isolated from islet amyloids of type 2 diabetic patients. IAPP is co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic β-cells. Although its true biological action is not known at present, β-sheet structures in the human IAPP molecule play an important role in amyloid formation, having an effect on the pathogenesis or development of human type 2 diabetes. We have found a missense mutation of the IAPP gene (S20G) in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. These patients should be good models for investigating the deterioration of pancreatic β-cells. |