Validation of the Vps34 PI 3-kinase as a new potential drug target in insulin sensitization

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This proposal aims to test the hypothesis that the Vps34 enzyme plays a role in metabolism. In our previous studies, using genetic approaches in the mouse and funded by the BBSRC, we have discovered that partial inactivation of Vps34 leads to improved glucose-tolerance and protection against the negative effects of a high fat diet. This suggests that Vps34 inhibitors could be useful in diseases such as diabetes. We now propose to test whether newly developed chemical blockers of Vps34 can induce the same effects as genetic inactivation of Vps34, in cell- and mouse-based models. This is a proof-of-concept project which, if the outcome is positive, can lay the foundations for Vps34 drug development and a translational programme of work.