A BBSRC DTP student, Milena Malcharek, has achieved a significant milestone by publishing her first paper in the prestigious Journal of Molecular Endocrinology. Her review investigates the critical role of receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) in the pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes mellitus.

What Are RAMPs?

RAMPs are specialized molecules that influence the activity of class B1 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which regulate essential processes like food intake, energy metabolism, and glucose balance. Dysregulation of these pathways can lead to obesity and diabetes, making RAMPs a vital focus for research.

Why Are RAMPs Important?

While much is known about class B1 receptors and their peptide activators (agonists) in obesity and diabetes, the role of RAMPs is less understood. The review by Malcharek et al. highlights:

• RAMP Knockout Studies: Research shows that removing RAMPs disrupts metabolic regulation, but the details are complex and sometimes conflicting.
• Disease-Driven Changes: Obesity and diabetes can alter the expression of RAMPs, receptors, and their agonists, with varying effects on disease progression.
• Focus on the Calcitonin Family: The calcitonin receptor family has well-established RAMP interactions, providing a foundation for understanding their roles in metabolism.
• Emerging Connections: New findings highlight interactions between RAMPs and other receptors implicated in obesity and diabetes, opening new avenues for exploration.

Future Implications

Despite the progress, more research is needed to untangle the complex roles of RAMPs and identify how they can be targeted for therapies. This field holds promise for breakthroughs in managing global health challenges like obesity and diabetes.
 

About Milena Malcharek

Milena is a second year PhD student in the Department of Pharmacology and part of the Cell Signalling Group led by Professor Graham Ladds. Her iCASE collaboration with AstraZeneca focuses on amylin receptor (AMYR) signalling, using cutting-edge bioassays to study how AMYR agonists regulate satiation. The goal is to contribute to the development of innovative anti-obesity treatments by deepening our understanding of these pathways.

Read the full article in the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology.