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Published on: April 19, 2013
Genetics of type 2 diabetes
1Omar Ali, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States.
World Journal of Diabetes
|August 21, 2013
Summary
Genetic research has identified multiple type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk genes, but these explain only a fraction of its heritability. Further research into rare variants, gene-environment interactions, and epigenetics is needed to understand T2D
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has a significant hereditary component influenced by environmental factors.
- Previous genetic studies identified limited T2D risk genes.
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revolutionized T2D genetic discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the heritability of T2D.
- To summarize the history and advancements in T2D genetic and genomic research.
- To discuss the implications of genetic findings and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of candidate gene studies.
- Analysis of linkage-based studies.
- Examination of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) findings.
Main Results:
- GWAS have identified numerous T2D risk genes, including novel ones.
- Highly replicated genes like TCF7L2, KCNQ1, and KCNJ11 are key contributors.
- Current genetic discoveries explain only a small portion of T2D's heritability ('missing heritability').
Conclusions:
- Significant progress in identifying T2D genetic risk factors has been made through GWAS.
- The 'missing heritability' may be attributed to rare variants, gene-environment interactions, and epigenetics.
- Further research is crucial for understanding the full genetic architecture of T2D and its clinical utility.
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