The study unveils the secrets of beta cell regeneration.

In collaboration with his team, they discovered the protein incceptor in 2021 and described its role as an inhibitor of the insulin signaling pathway. The insulin receptor and incceptor are located on the surface of beta cells, where the incceptor can block the insulin receptor, thereby reducing the cells' sensitivity to insulin and weakening the signaling pathway. Current research goes further, demonstrating that the incceptor binds excess insulin within the beta cell and directs it for destruction. “This knowledge about the function of the incceptor allows us to gain a deeper understanding of how beta cells regulate their insulin homeostasis,” says Heiko Likert.

Regeneration of Damaged Beta Cells

The increased concentration of incceptor in beta cells suggests that the receptor plays a role in insulin secretion regulated by beta cells. This process is often disrupted in diabetes, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. By blocking the incceptor, researchers were able to replenish insulin stores in beta cells, enhance insulin secretion, and prevent the death of beta cells.

Inhibiting the incceptor, particularly in already damaged cells, may contribute to increased insulin production and protection of beta cells.

The findings indicate that specifically targeting the incceptor could become a promising strategy for improving the function of insulin-producing cells in individuals with diabetes. “Our goal is to develop new medications based on our discovery that support the insulin balance of cells and extend their viability,” says Likert. Such therapy could particularly benefit individuals in the early stages of type 2 diabetes to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of complications.

From Laboratory Research to Practice: Launching New Diabetes Treatments

To translate the obtained results from the lab to real-world applications, Likert founded a startup. The company is focused on developing drugs that specifically block the receptor to protect or regenerate beta cells. Initial preclinical studies are necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of these new therapeutic approaches. “Our goal is to pave the way for clinical trials and thus contribute to the treatment and hopefully even the cure of diabetes,” says Likert.