In a groundbreaking development, Chinese researchers have harnessed the immense power of the Tianhe-2 supercomputer to tackle diabetic complications head-on. Situated in Guangzhou's Guangdong Province, Tianhe-2 ranks among the world's top 20 fastest computers, serving as a robust platform for cutting-edge drug discovery.
Led by a team from Sun Yat-sen University, the scientists utilized Virtual Screening on Tianhe-2 (VSTH), a high-throughput screening platform, to identify promising therapeutic strategies. Their research pinpointed 2MBC, a branched-chain acylcarnitine, as a key player in accelerating blood clot formation—a major contributor to diabetes-related disabilities and mortality.
This discovery opens the door to novel therapeutic targets, offering fresh strategies to mitigate the complications associated with metabolic disorders like diabetes. The team’s findings reveal that 2MBC directly influences platelets, enhancing their aggregation, spreading, and contraction abilities in both rodents and humans.
Further adding to the significance, 2MBC is a metabolite derived from gut microbiota. The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, demonstrated that pre-treatment with antibiotics to eliminate gut bacteria effectively halts the metabolic conversion of 2MBC, underscoring the intricate link between gut health and diabetes management.
Committed to advancing this promising research, the Tianhe-2 team plans to enhance the drug discovery platform further. By leveraging the platform's superior performance and rich data resources, they aim to drive groundbreaking innovations in biomedical science, ultimately improving the lives of millions affected by diabetes worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com