A research team led by Prof. Dr. Dietmar Fischer from the University of Cologne and the Center for Pharmacology at the University Hospital of Cologne has deciphered a central mechanism that inhibits nerve regeneration in diabetes and developed a therapeutic peptide that could remove this blockage. The results were published in “Science Translational Medicine”.

Nerve damage is one of the most common and debilitating consequences of diabetes, with millions of people worldwide suffering from pain, numbness or limited mobility. Until now, it was unclear why the regeneration of damaged nerve fibers in diabetics is so severely restricted. The study shows that the protein p35 accumulates in nerve cells and activates a signaling cascade that blocks regrowth. This has been demonstrated in mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Through genetic intervention or the administration of a newly developed peptide, the researchers were able to remove this inhibition. In the models, the nerves then grew again at a pace comparable to healthy animals, accompanied by improved motor and sensory abilities – even with already manifested diabetic neuropathy. The peptide, patented by Fischer’s team, is considered a promising candidate for future drug development.

Particularly noteworthy: The lack of regeneration occurs even before the onset of neuropathy, which affects almost half of diabetics. An ongoing study is now examining whether the mechanism also promotes their development and whether the new therapy can have a preventive effect. The results could open up new avenues for the treatment and possibly prevention of this previously incurable complication.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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