G-TSPO
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An experimental medicine study to investigate the role of the 18 kiloDalton Translocator Protein in glucose metabolism
IRAS ID
334773
Contact name
David R J Owen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research governance and integrity team, Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC)
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Glucose is human cells main source of energy, and therefore effective control and regulation of glucose is of critical importance to human health. Impairment in humans ability to control and regulate glucose effectively can result in “pre-diabetes” and eventually diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Therefore understanding the role and mechanisms of what controls glucose is important to preventing, managing, or treating related diseases. The 18 kiloDalton Translocator Protein (TSPO) is a protein found in key organs and tissues related to glucose control, such as kidney, liver, and fat tissue. Experiments in zebrafish and mice have suggested that TSPO could play a role in glucose control. The data in mice of which has suggested this could be mainly through the TSPO found in fat tissue. We have data within healthy human participants (currently unpublished) which demonstrates that orally taking 1 90mg dose of XBD173 (a drug that interacts with TSPO) for 7 days, glucose control is improved after consuming a sugary drink. These results are promising and have indicated that in humans TSPO may have a role in glucose control. However, we do not know if the drug effect is dependent on taking the drug for 7 days or if it could occur immediately after taking 1 dose. In mice (currently unpublished), we have seen more controlled glucose after a sugary drink within 1 hour of a single dose of XBD173. The aim of this study is therefore to test the hypothesis that a single dose of XBD173 improves glucose uptake both in fed and fasted states. We will do this in healthy volunteers to determine the role of TSPO in people with normal glucose control. We will also measure a range of markers related to glucose control and mechanisms in which TSPO may play a role in glucose control.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0127
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion