Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), one of the core topic proteins core topic the formation of adipocytes (fat cells), which also enhances the cells’ response to insulin, could become a therapeutic target for treating diseases such as obesity and diabetes. This is according to a thesis the School of Science at the University of Navarra, written by Sara Palacios.

Obese individuals are more susceptible to developing insulin resistance. This can affect fat cells causing glucose and fat to accumulate in the bloodstream becoming transported and stored in organs such as the liver or pancreas and affecting their function. "My work has proven that when the functioning of fat cells is altered, Cav-1 is also affected, so regulating it could alleviate the symptoms associated with obesity or diabetes," explained the researcher.

Thus, the fact that caveolae, Structures cells formed from Cav-1, occupy a third of the surface of fat cells, confirms their relevance in adipocytes. In fact, previous programs of study led by Carlos de Miguel, director together with Fermín Milagro of this thesis , had detected an increase in the amount of Cav-1 in fatty tissues of rats that had consumed a high-fat per diem expenses .

Sara Palacios, who holds a degree in Biology and Biochemistry the School of Science the University of Navarra and is a graduate of Master's Degree research , currently works in the area Nutrition and Food Science at the University of the Basque Country, where she continues her research the field of obesity and diabetes.