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Thorsten Hornemann is at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
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One of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes is diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), in which impaired nerve function causes a range of symptoms, including pain and numbness. DPN can lead to skin ulcers and difficulties in wound healing1 and is a leading cause of limb amputations2. There is currently no way to treat the underlying causes of DPN — a mechanism-based therapy is therefore in high demand. Writing in Nature, Handzlik et al.3 demonstrate that changes in the levels of the amino acid serine can impair nerve function, and suggest that the pathway altered could be targeted therapeutically.
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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-00054-9
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The author declares no competing interests.
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Read the paper: Insulin-regulated serine and lipid metabolism drive peripheral neuropathy
A subset of immune-system T cells branded as seeds for type 1 diabetes
Sensory nerves regulate fat functions
See all News & Views
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