Insulin induces translocation of one of the glucose transporters, GLUT4, from the cell interior to the surface to allow glucose to enter cells. Defect in regulation of the number of GLUT4 on the cell surface triggers serious health problems and diseases such as diabetes mellitus. We have found that some chemicals contained in foodstuffs are able to modulate GLUT4-translocation, which could be useful to improve our health.

Based on the genomic information of Bacillus subtilis, we have characterized all the genes for myo-inositol catabolism to elucidate the entire catabolic pathway. The Bacterial myo-inositol catabolism turned out to be applicable to produce D-chiro-inositol, which is one of the investigational drug candidates for type 2 diabetes.