解决胰岛素百年困境！David Baker团队从头设计出更安全有效的“AI胰岛素”，开启糖尿病治疗新时代

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a groundbreaking research on AI-designed insulin receptor agonists that offer improved efficacy and safety for diabetes treatment compared to traditional insulin therapies [3][10]. Group 1: Research Background - Insulin has been a cornerstone in diabetes treatment since its discovery, but it has limitations such as complex production, strict storage conditions, and potential cancer risks [2]. - The insulin receptor acts as a "lock" that insulin "unlocks," initiating two main signaling pathways: one for metabolic regulation (AKT pathway) and another for cell growth (MAPK pathway) [2]. Group 2: Research Findings - Researchers from Washington University and Texas Southwestern Medical Center developed AI-designed insulin receptor agonists that outperform traditional insulin in lowering blood sugar and can precisely regulate signaling pathways, avoiding cancer cell proliferation [3][5]. - The new insulin receptor agonists exhibit remarkable properties, including enhanced thermal stability, remaining stable at 95°C, and precise signal regulation through adjustable linkers [7]. Group 3: Experimental Results - In mouse models, the AI-designed agonist RF-409 demonstrated superior blood sugar-lowering effects, requiring only half the dosage of insulin for the same effect and maintaining low blood sugar levels for up to 6 hours [7][8]. - These agonists can activate mutated insulin receptors in insulin-resistant patients, providing new treatment hope for rare genetic diabetes [8]. Group 4: Implications and Future Directions - The specificity of these agonists allows them to activate normal and mutated insulin receptors while avoiding activation of cancer cell receptors, significantly reducing potential cancer risks associated with traditional insulin therapy [8][10]. - The research lays the groundwork for developing safer and more effective next-generation diabetes treatments, with the founding of Lila Biologics aimed at utilizing AI protein design for breakthrough therapies [10][11].