Metabolic Diseases
Metabolic diseases represent a growing health burden to society. Type 2 diabetes is already a major health concern, with a rapidly increasing incidence in children and young adults, much of it related to obesity. NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is a broad spectrum of liver diseases with many of the same risk factors as metabolic disease including obesity, T2D, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, whose serious health impact is increasingly recognised.
Sygnature’s scientists have extensive experience in the field of metabolic disease, from early medicinal chemistry right through to in vivo testing. The integrated teams at Sygnature Discovery have a track record of delivering validated drug candidates to clients.
Our bioscientists have developed a wide range of metabolic disease assays across several platforms, including high-content imaging. We are skilled in the development of bespoke assays to meet individual project requirements. Tailored screening cascades can be created to support hit identification and lead optimisation programmes. Both tissue and blood-based biomarkers can also be evaluated in models of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Since 2001, our translational team has been carrying out studies for clients using a wide range of clinically validated models, both industry-standard and bespoke.
Metabolic Assays for Metabolic Diseases
Industry standard in vitro assays in use at Sygnature include:
- Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assays in mouse (Min6, bTC-6) and hamster (HIT-T15) cell models.
- GLP-1 secretion assays in intestinal L cell systems (murine GLUTag cells).
- Glucose uptake assays in adipocytes and differentiated 3T3L1 fibroblasts.
We also offer:
- Tailored assays to probe target engagement and signalling pathways in both recombinant and immortalised cell models.
- Models of hormone release via functional assays developed in models of pancreatic beta-cells.
Metabolic In Vivo Models
Sygnature has significant in-house in vivo experience and capabilities in the metabolic area. See our metabolic models and how we can address your preclinical project needs.