Valuable new research giving a new insight into the genetic causes of diabetes has just been released. Both the method and discoveries of this research lend optimism to diabetes and cancer researchers alike. Researchers at the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine have discovered three previously unknown gene variants, and have done so using an innovative new method.
The main discovery of the study was the existence of three gene variants, now named TBC1D30, KANK1, and PAM. They have a close association with insulin production and seem to be responsible for the abnormal functioning of this process. It is thought that individuals with these genes may be predisposed to developing diabetes. It is not just diabetes research that will benefit from this discovery, however; scientists welcome the news as providing a new guide with which to look into conditions such as obesity and cancer.
The novel aspect of the study was the use of exome array genotyping. Before now, genetic research was typically undertaken by genetic sequencing, a slower and more costly process than this new method. Exome array genotyping allows scientists to very quickly screen mass amounts of DNA samples, while maintaining a very precise accuracy. In this particular study, over 8,000 people were screened quickly and efficiently. This type of analysis will have a big impact on the way future research is conducted and will allow researchers to find very particular low-frequency gene variants, giving them a clue to complex genetic traits that might otherwise be impossible.
Diabetes affects over 25 million people in the U.S.A. alone, so any guide to understanding it is greatly welcomed. Such research now has a solid starting point from which to investigate how these genes lead to the development of diabetes. The information achieved from this inquiry could very well benefit other chronic diseases that have their root in genetic predispositions. The new methods involved in the study should bring a sense of optimism to all of us, and allow sufferers to look forward to a greater sense of wellbeing in the future. Further away, but still present on the horizon, is the prospect of complete and total wellness – a cure is possible and will one day be found.
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