= Midwestern University Darien, Illinois, United States
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that results in insulin resistance leading to elevated blood glucose levels, resulting in complications, increased morbidity and mortality. T2DM affects 10.5% of the U.S. population, making it a disease that merits investigation of novel therapies. GPR43 (aka Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2; FFA2) is a recently deorphanized G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that is widely expressed in tissues throughout the body. Previous studies have shown that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate activate FFA2, leading to change in cellular function. SCFAs are gut microbial metabolites important in shaping and maintaining gut homeostasis. FFA2 is found in pancreatic islets and contributes to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) which has led to investigational studies targeting the receptor for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Our group is interested in identifying Gq-biased agonists of FFA2 as a potential treatment for T2DM. This study focuses on screening the Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 for agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators using a GPCR-targeted compound library along with an assay that measures transient intracellular calcium. Further analysis and testing are underway to pinpoint specific agonists as potential treatment options for T2DM.
Scan and Win! Complete as many scavenger hunt questions as possible. You will find scavenger hunt QR Codes to scan on participating posters. Each participating poster in the exhibit hall will have a QR code next to it. For virtual participants, look for the scavenger hunt icon for participating posters.
SLAS Events
Instructions
Each poster participating in the scavenger hunt will have a SCAVENGER HUNT QR code. When that QR code is scanned using the SLAS2022 app, question about the poster will appear. You must answer the question correctly to collect points. BE SURE TO EXPLORE THE POSTER BEFORE SCANNING THE CODE! SLAS will award three prizes to the participants with the most points.
1st Prize - Comp Reg + Hotel/Airfare to SLAS2023 in San Diego
2nd Prize - $50 Starbucks Gift Card
3Rd Prize - $25 AMEX Gift Card
Keep an eye on the leader boards to see who’s at the TOP. Winners will be announced after SLAS2022.
Each participating poster in the exhibit hall will have a QR code next to it. For virtual participants, look for the scavenger hunt icon for participating posters.
