Answer Happy

The mechanisms that cells use to communicate and coordinate their functions are a major area for medical drug intervention to treat health problems. For example, estimates are that more than 1/3rd of all the FDA approved drugs in one way or another target the function of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling functions. Answer the following questions related to these types of interventions (Note: each part of this question is meant to be independent of the other parts): A) One way to stimulate therapeutic effects is to develop a drug that deliberately activates a particular signaling pathway. Assuming a drug is hydrophilic and thus not able to cross over a cell membrane, what would you want the drug to resemble in order to activate a particular signaling pathway? (3 points) Even closely related diseases may need to be treated in different ways, depending on the cause of the disease. For example, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are often treated with different medications, even though both diseases involve high blood sugar. Answer the following two questions about these differences: B) Type 1 Diabetes is most commonly treated by injecting insulin prior to eating. This approach does not generally work that well for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Why is injection of insulin something that works very well for treatment of Type 1, but not Type 2, Diabetes? (4 points) C) People with Type 2 Diabetes are often prescribed a drug called 'Metformin'. Metformin acts on the cells that express the Insulin Receptor protein, making them more sensitive to the effects of insulin. Why would Metformin (taken alone) be a useful treatment for people with Type 2, but not Type 1, Diabetes? (4 points)