Characterization of a third simple tandem repeat polymorphism in the human glucokinase gene

Recent studies have implicated mutations in the glucokinase gene as a cause of early-onset Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Two simple tandem repeat DNA polymorphisms have been identified in this gene and used for genetic studies. However, their heterozygosity is relatively low and not all families are informative for linkage with these markers. Here we report the characterization of a third simple tandem repeat polymorphism that can be used for genetic studies.