American researchers discover a protein that may explain type 2 diabetes

Researchers from the University of Southern California have uncovered a small protein hidden within the human mitochondrial genome, which may help explain some causes of type 2 diabetes and pave the way for developing new treatments targeting metabolic disorders.

The researchers relied on analyzing the health and genetic data of more than 15,000 adults, successfully identifying a genetic variant associated with type 2 diabetes located within the gene responsible for producing a new protein named MENTSH. They explained that this variant disrupts the region responsible for initiating protein production, potentially leading to reduced protein levels in some individuals, which may explain their increased risk of developing diabetes.

Experiments showed that administering the active protein improved cellular insulin response, while modified versions of the protein helped limit weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Analyses also revealed that the protein operates through different mechanisms depending on the tissue type: it enhances insulin pathways in muscle tissue while inhibiting them in adipose tissue, a pattern associated with improved metabolic health.

Researchers believe this discovery represents an important step toward a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms linked to diabetes and obesity, and may open the door to developing more precise and effective treatments in the future.