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12/02/2007
Links point to genetic test for diabetes
There is hope that a genetic test for diabetes could be developed following the mapping of four key sites in human DNA that are linked to the development of the disease.
Scientists from Imperial College London said that the new findings may explain up to 70% of the genetic background of Type 2 diabetes. The researchers, working with Canadian colleagues, identified four loci - key points on the human genetic code - which correspond to a risk of developing the condition. They believe this could help with the development of a genetic test.
Also, one of the genetic mutations they found could further explain the causes of Type 2 diabetes, potentially leading to new treatments in the future. The mutation was in a zinc transporter, known as SLC30A8, which is involved in regulating insulin secretion. It may be possible to fix this transporter as a way of treating some people with diabetes, say the researchers.
"We have known for some time that family history plays a part in whether or not someone might develop Type 2 diabetes, " said Dr Iain Frame, Research Manager at Diabetes UK.
"While it is still early days, the results of this research look promising as they could potentially help the early identification of people with a genetic risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. In the longer term they could perhaps lead to better treatments for people with the condition."
(SP/KMcA)
Scientists from Imperial College London said that the new findings may explain up to 70% of the genetic background of Type 2 diabetes. The researchers, working with Canadian colleagues, identified four loci - key points on the human genetic code - which correspond to a risk of developing the condition. They believe this could help with the development of a genetic test.
Also, one of the genetic mutations they found could further explain the causes of Type 2 diabetes, potentially leading to new treatments in the future. The mutation was in a zinc transporter, known as SLC30A8, which is involved in regulating insulin secretion. It may be possible to fix this transporter as a way of treating some people with diabetes, say the researchers.
"We have known for some time that family history plays a part in whether or not someone might develop Type 2 diabetes, " said Dr Iain Frame, Research Manager at Diabetes UK.
"While it is still early days, the results of this research look promising as they could potentially help the early identification of people with a genetic risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. In the longer term they could perhaps lead to better treatments for people with the condition."
(SP/KMcA)
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