Genetics of type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Many human insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus (IDDM) genes have recently been mapped. The HLA region on chromosome 6 and the insulin gene promoter on chromosome 11p have been extensively investigated. Genome scanning of many families with several affected individuals has successfully mapped other predisposing loci situated on different chomosomal regions. In addition, the positional cloning of IDDM susceptibility genes is in progress. Advances in high throughput genotyping and large-scale sequencing, and the availability of high-density maps of human genes will help to identify IDDM genes. Understanding the genetic basis of IDDM will aid in the design of new strategies to prevent or cure the disease.