New Insights into Blood Clotting Risks for Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Center has identified a biological mechanism that may clarify the increased susceptibility to blood clots among individuals with type 2 diabetes. This groundbreaking research could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing cardiovascular risks associated with the condition.

Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the study highlights the role of a protein known as SEC61B, which has been found to be elevated in the platelets of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. This protein appears to interfere with calcium balance within platelets, thereby enhancing their tendency to aggregate and form clots.

The research team, led by Associate Professors Freda Passam and Mark Larance, demonstrated that inhibiting SEC61B activity using the antibiotic anisomycin effectively decreased platelet aggregation in both human samples and animal models. This discovery is significant given that individuals with type 2 diabetes are at a heightened risk for complications such as heart attacks and strokes due to increased blood clot formation.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 1.2 million Australians were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2021, with higher prevalence noted among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, as well as those in rural areas. The increased platelet activity associated with this condition complicates treatment, making standard anticoagulants less effective.

The research team utilized advanced proteomic techniques to analyze both human and mouse platelets, uncovering that SEC61B contributes to calcium leakage from internal stores within platelets, which subsequently enhances their reactivity. While therapies targeting SEC61B are still in the exploratory phase, researchers anticipate that preclinical trials could commence within the next one to two years, potentially leading to new treatment options for patients within the next decade.

This discovery underscores the importance of understanding the molecular underpinnings of type 2 diabetes and its associated risks, providing a foundation for future research aimed at improving patient outcomes.