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In a significant scientific development, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have uncovered evidence that collagen, a common structural protein in the human body, could be aggravating type 2 diabetes. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, reveal a previously unrecognized biological mechanism that could reshape approaches to diabetes treatment.
Type 2 diabetes, a condition impacting over 500 million people globally, has long been linked to lifestyle and genetic factors. However, the molecular processes that drive disease progression have remained elusive. The IIT Bombay team has now identified fibrillar collagen I—a form of collagen prevalent in skin, bones, and connective tissue—as a potential contributor to the worsening of diabetes.
The research focused on the pancreas, where insulin and the hormone amylin are produced by β-cells. While amylin helps regulate blood sugar after meals, in diabetes, increased insulin production leads to excess amylin. At high concentrations, amylin can misfold and aggregate, forming toxic clumps that damage insulin-producing cells. Until now, the cause of this aggregation was unclear.
Using advanced imaging and biochemical techniques, the scientists discovered that amylin binds to collagen fibrils, accelerating the formation of these harmful aggregates. “It almost seems like amylin coats the collagen surface, forming stable aggregates that are harder for the body to clear,” explained Prof. Shamik Sen, senior author of the study.
Further experiments with diabetic mouse pancreatic tissue and human single-cell data showed that as diabetes progressed, both collagen and amylin levels rose, and the pancreatic islets became increasingly disorganized. Laboratory tests revealed that β-cells grown on collagen gels with amylin experienced higher cell death, oxidative stress, and reduced insulin production compared to controls. This suggests that the extracellular environment—specifically, the presence of collagen—could play a central role in diabetes progression, potentially explaining why treatments targeting only internal cell processes often fall short.
The IIT Bombay team is now working on high-resolution models of the amylin-collagen interaction and exploring drug candidates to disrupt this process. They are also investigating 3D scaffolds to help regenerate damaged pancreatic tissue.
“This study serves as a reminder that the body’s support structures—like collagen—may be doing more than just holding tissues together. In some cases, they might be silently pushing diseases like diabetes into more dangerous territory,” said Prof. Sen.
Disclaimer:
This article summarizes findings from a single study and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The role of collagen in diabetes is complex, and other research—including studies on marine collagen peptides—suggests potential benefits for glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic patients. Individuals with diabetes should consult healthcare professionals before making any changes to their treatment or supplement regimen.
