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Genetics of diabetes complications
1Section on Genetics & Epidemiology, Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA. alessandro.doria@joslin.harvard.edu
Current Diabetes Reports
|September 14, 2010
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence diabetic complications. Genome-wide association studies are identifying key genes for conditions like retinopathy and nephropathy, paving the way for new drug development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Chronic diabetic complications have a significant genetic component.
- Previous candidate gene studies identified loci for retinopathy (VEGF), nephropathy (ELMO1), and coronary artery disease (ADIPOQ).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the genetic underpinnings of diabetic complications.
- To highlight the utility of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in identifying disease-risk genes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on genetic factors in diabetic complications.
- Focus on candidate gene approaches and genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Main Results:
- GWAS have identified a major locus for coronary artery disease on 9p21.
- GWAS have also pinpointed potential genes for nephropathy on chromosomes 7p, 11p, and 13q.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors play a crucial role in the development of diabetic complications.
- Genome-wide association studies offer a powerful systematic approach to discover these genes.
- Identifying these genes will advance our understanding of diabetic complication etiology and inform new therapeutic strategies.
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