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The evolution of insulin: how did the amazing journey from animal insulin to genetic recombination come about?
Since 1922, the use of insulin and its development have been central to the treatment of diabetes. Initially, doctors extracted insulin from the pancreas of pigs or cows, but as technology advanced, the emergence of recombinant DNA technology changed the way insulin was produced. This article will explore the evolution of insulin and understand the technological and medical advances behind it.
Historical Background of Insulin
Insulin therapy began in 1922 when Banting and Best first used insulin extracted from the pancreas of cows in human patients, and in 1923 they created commercial bovine insulin. However, as the demand for insulin continues to increase, scientists are looking for more efficient and reproducible methods of production.
Application of Gene Recombination Technology
With the development of genetic engineering technology in the 1980s, scientists began to use recombinant DNA technology to produce insulin in microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, which not only increased production but also reduced the risk of allergic reactions.
By changing the amino acid sequence of insulin, scientists can adjust the absorption, distribution and metabolic properties of insulin, thereby developing different types of insulin analogs to meet the needs of patients.
The Birth of Insulin Analogs
In 1996, the first synthetic insulin analog, Insulin Lispro, was approved, followed by the emergence of a variety of different insulin analogs on the market, such as Insulin Aspart and Insulin Glulisine, which were improved through genetic engineering technology.
Rapid-Acting Insulin Analogs
Rapid-acting insulin analogs include insulin Lispro, Aspart and Glulisine. These insulin analogs can be quickly absorbed by the body and are suitable for use before meals. For example, the counterfeit Humalog is the first fast-acting insulin analog developed by Eli Lilly. Its improvements have significantly increased its absorption rate, solving the delayed reaction problem of traditional insulin injections.
The development of insulin Aspart also demonstrated the potential of biotechnology, by expressing it in yeast through gene editing, effectively improving its bioavailability.
Long-acting insulin analogs
Among long-acting insulin analogs, insulin Detemir and Glargine are the best known. These insulin analogs are designed to last longer, allowing patients to better control their blood sugar levels, especially during the night with basal insulin needs.
Limitations of Animal Insulin
Although early animal insulins, such as pig insulin, have similar amino acid sequences to human insulin, there are still variations that could trigger allergic reactions. With the advancement of biotechnology, recombinant human insulin has gradually replaced animal-derived insulin and become the mainstream choice for the treatment of diabetes.
Future Directions
In the ongoing research on insulin, scientists are constantly seeking safer and more effective diabetes treatment options. Through ongoing clinical trials and empirical research, the medical community is still exploring the long-term benefits and safety of various types of insulin and its analogs.
ConclusionThese studies not only concern the quality of life of diabetic patients, but also provide direction for new diabetes treatments in the future.
The history of insulin is a remarkable journey from nature to technology, demonstrating how the power of science can improve human health. In the future, as technology develops further, we may see more innovative therapies emerge to better meet the needs of diabetic patients. In this context, how would you choose to view the future development of insulin and its impact on the quality of life?
