IDD : Institute For Diabetes Discovery

The complications of diabetes develop as the result of multiple metabolic changes induced by hyperglycemia. One prominent change induced by hyperglycemia is the increased rate of glycation reactions. Glycation reactions are non-enzymatic and result in the covalent modification of protein amino groups by glucose and other carbohydrates that are elevated in diabetic individuals.

The early products of the glycation reaction produce simple carbohydrate-protein adducts such as HbA1c. With time these simple adducts rearrange to form a series complex molecules with diverse properties. These molecules are referred to collectively as advanced glycosylated end products or AGEs.

The glycation of proteins and the formation of AGEs can result in the following:

Alteration of normal protein function (enzymatic and physical properties)
Decreased turnover and tissue remodeling
Binding receptors for AGEs and the activation of various signaling pathways

IDD’s research in this area is aimed at understanding the mechanisms of glycation reactions and the identification of cellular and matrix proteins that are modified by glycation reactions.

Follow this link to view publications related to glycation.

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| IDD 676 | | Glycation | | Obesity | | Insulin Resistance | | Diabetic Atherosclerosis |