Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases, with about 463 million people worldwide living with it. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90% of diabetes cases.
The development of diabetes is a complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors.
Recent studies have shown that genes play a significant role in the development of T2DM. Researchers have identified several genetic variants associated with T2DM, including the TCF7L2 gene and the FTO gene.
However, scientists have now discovered a new protective gene variation against T2DM.
The Role of Genetics in Diabetes
Genes are the segment of DNA in our chromosomes that carry instructions to create proteins. These proteins are responsible for the functioning of the body’s cells.
Variations in genes may cause changes in the way proteins function, leading to diseases.
Scientists have already identified several genes that increase the risk of developing T2DM. However, until recently, no genes provided protection against T2DM.
The Study on Protective Gene Variation Against T2DM
A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has discovered a new protective gene variation against T2DM.
The study analyzed the genomes of 17,000 people of diverse ethnicities to identify new genetic variants related to T2DM. Researchers identified a rare genetic variation in the SLC30A8 gene that provides protection against developing T2DM.
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The researchers found that people with this genetic variant had a 65% lower risk of developing T2DM than those who did not have it. This gene variation was found across different ethnicities, including European, African, and Asian populations.
The Functioning of SLC30A8 Gene
The SLC30A8 gene encodes a protein called ZnT8 that helps transport zinc into the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Zinc is a critical component for insulin production and proper functioning.
ZnT8 protein helps in the storage of insulin in secretory granules inside pancreatic beta-cells. These cells secrete insulin in response to high glucose levels in blood after meals.
The rare genetic variant discovered in the SLC30A8 gene, rs13266634, causes a change in amino acid sequence, which alters the functioning of the ZnT8 protein and increases its activity.
The increased activity of ZnT8 helps in storing more insulin granules, leading to lower glucose levels in the bloodstream.
Conclusion
The discovery of a new protective gene variation against T2DM is a significant advancement in understanding the genetic factors that affect the onset of T2DM.
This discovery opens up new possibilities in developing preventive strategies against T2DM based on gene editing. With the advancement in gene-editing technology, scientists could edit the DNA of people at risk of T2DM to incorporate this protective gene variation, thus reducing their risk of developing T2DM.
This discovery could also lead to the development of new drugs, targeting the SLC30A8 gene pathway.
The drug could mimic the effect of gene variation in the SLC30A8 gene and help in preventing T2DM or controlling glucose levels in people living with T2DM.
