New gene associated with diabetes traits found: Study

Scientists have discovered a gene that is linked to traits involved in diabetes, a study published in Genetics reveals.

In collaborative research led by Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), scientist Leah Solberg Woods says, the gene called Tpcn2 was associated with fasting glucose and insulin levels in rats, mice and humans. There was a variant in the gene which was associated with fasting glucose levels in a rat model. Studies in Tpcn2 knockout (genetically engineered) mice also demonstrated the difference in fasting glucose levels, as well as insulin response between the knockout animals and regular mice.

Woods' team identified variants within Tpcn2 associated with fasting insulin in humans. Tpcn2 was a Lysosomal calcium channel that likely played a role in insulin signalling. Glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction were key underlying causes of type 2 diabetes.

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According to the American Diabetes Association, 29 million Americans have diabetes, which is more than 9% of the total population. It is the seventh leading cause of death, and experts estimate diabetes to be an underreported cause of death due to the comorbidity and complications associated with the disease.