Researchers have determined the 3-D structure of a protein called HNF-4±. People with mature onset diabetes of the young (MODY1) have inherited mutations in the HNF-4± protein. This first-ever look at HNF-4±’s full structure uncovers new information about how it functions. The study also reveals new pockets in the protein that could be targeted with therapeutic drugs aimed at alleviating MODY1.