Research group Group Bengtsson

Obesity is a major inducer of type II diabetes and it is estimated by the World Health Organization that over 500 million people worldwide suffer from either of these disorders, with the incidence increasing dramatically over the last 10 years.

Microscopy image of skeletal muscle cells untreated or stimulated with ß-adrenergic agonist. Glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 is depicted in yellow and is located in the cytoplasm in untreated cells. In the stimulated condition, GLUT4 is translocated to the cell surface ready to import glucose. This mechanism is of high importance to clear glucose from the blood stream after a meal.

Group description

Group Bengtsson has been conducting innovative research into diabetes and obesity for over a decade, focusing on β-adrenergic receptors and their role in glucose uptake within skeletal muscle and brown fat. This receptor pathway, activated by the sympathetic nervous system, functions independently of insulin, and can potentially help manage blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.

Employing advanced techniques and both in vitro and in vivo methodologies, we are studying this pathway and its various components. Our research involves examining different agonists and their respective signaling profiles.

Our understanding of β-adrenergic receptors has broadened our research scope to include other organs such as the brain, liver, and pancreas. We are specifically investigating how small adrenergic ligands activate different intracellular pathways to promote beneficial physiological outcomes, like reducing lipid droplet sizes in the liver, with minimal side effects.

Another significant aspect of the group's research is our exploration into the potential of silica particles for improving metabolic health. These porous particles can capture metabolic enzymes, with the potential to slow down metabolism. This innovative approach has already demonstrated several benefits in humans, including the prevention of glucose spikes after meals, overall reduction in blood glucose levels, and facilitation of fat loss.

Throughout the years, we have developed and evaluated a variety of unique strategies to combat metabolic diseases. These strategies employ both silica-based methods and small molecules. The pivotal discoveries made in this process have inspired Tore Bengtsson to establish collaborations between international research organizations and commercial entities for the treatment of metabolic diseases.