Abstract: The identification and characterisation of human and rat Islet-Brain 1 (IB1) is disclosed, a transcriptional activator that is involved in the control of the GLUT2 and insulin genes by interacting with homologous cis-regulatory elements of the GLUT2 and insulin promoters. The rat IB1 cDNA encodes a 714 amino acid protein and the human IB1 cDNA a 711 amino acid protein. The use of IB1 polypeptides, nucleic acid, agonists and antagonists in the treatment or diagnosis of diabetes, neurological diseases such as dementia and/or parkinsonism, the inhibition/promotion of apoptosis and cancer is disclosed.

Abstract: Transcriptional activator Islet-Brain 1 (IB1) is disclosed which is involved in the control of the GLUT2 and insulin genes by interacting with homologous cis-regulatory elements of the GLUT2 and insulin promoters, and to materials and methods deriving from this work. In particular, the use of IB1 nucleic acid, IB1 polypeptides and anti-IB1 antibodies in the diagnosis, and prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of conditions such as diabetes and neurological diseases such as dementia and/or parkinsonism is disclosed.