Archive by category | Gene regulation

Genetic link between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Dooley et al., Nature Genetics 2016

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (T1D and T2D) are complex diseases characterized by insulin signaling defects resulting from either autoimmune deregulation or metabolic dysfunction, respectively. Both cause disruption of blood glucose regulation and can lead to significant systemic effects. Despite the physiological distinctions underlying disease development, there are commonalities between T1D and T2D; in T1D, pancreatic beta cells are targeted by the autoimmune system, while in T2D there is gradual, progressive beta cell mass decline. There are some shared genetic risk factors associated with both conditions, but distinguishing between genetic versus secondary causes related to beta cell failure has been challenging.  Read more