Targeted ROMO1 modulation for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes
A novel approach targeting ROMO1, a mitochondrial protein, to treat metabolic disorders. Inhibiting ROMO1 in the liver promotes weight loss, while activating it in pancreatic beta cells supports glucose management, preventing Type 2 diabetes progression.
Overview
This innovative research focuses on targeting the protein ROMO1, which plays a crucial role in mitochondrial dynamics, to treat metabolic disorders such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The approach involves inhibiting ROMO1 in the liver to activate catabolic pathways leading to weight loss, and activating it in pancreatic beta cells to enhance glucose coupling, thus preventing the progression of prediabetes to T2D.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Liver ROMO1 Inhibition: Promotes catabolic activation and weight loss by impairing complex II activity and mtDNA maintenance, which are hypothesized to be the underlying mechanisms.
- Pancreatic Beta Cell Activation: Supports insulin secretion and glucose coupling, potentially preventing T2D by enabling an appropriate bioenergetic response to energy stress.
- Molecular Targeting: ROMO1 can be modulated using small molecules to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4. It has been validated in animal models, demonstrating promising phenotypes that support its potential in treating metabolic disorders. Further studies are planned to analyze the phenotypic consequences and develop activators for ROMO1.
About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is a leading academic health sciences centre in Toronto, fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, combining a multi-campus tertiary/quaternary hospital with a major research institute. Industry partners engage through co-located labs at Sunnybrook Research Institute, embedded clinical-trial operations, and access to a high-acuity, Level 1 trauma program and specialized surgical suites. Advanced platforms—such as ultra-high-field MRI and state-of-the-art imaging and interventional facilities—support rapid bench-to-bedside evaluation and first-in-human studies. Research is supported by competitive federal and provincial funding, including CIHR, NSERC and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Commercialization is facilitated by dedicated industry-partnerships staff and by the University of Toronto’s Innovations & Partnerships Office, including an Entrepreneurs-in-Residence model linking investigators with market pathways.
delivered to your inbox.