Newly Discovered Gene Linked to Diabetic Traits

Researchers have discovered a new gene that's responsible for some traits involved in fasting glucose and insulin levels commonly seen in diabetes.

Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Research Institute who led the study identified the gene, called Tpcn2, in which a variant was associated with fasting glucose levels in a rat model. 

Studies in Tpcn2 knockout mice also demonstrated the difference in fasting glucose levels as well as insulin response between the knockout animals and regular mice. The research team identified variants within Tpcn2 associated with fasting insulin in humans. Tpcn2 is a lysosomal calcium channel that likely plays a role in insulin signaling, according to a news release. Glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction are key underlying causes of type 2 diabetes.

"Genome-wide association studies in humans have identified 60+ genes linked to type 2 diabetes; however, these genes explain only a small portion of heritability in diabetes studies. As we continue to identify genes and variants of interest, we will evaluate them in multiple models to understand the mechanism of disease," said lead study author Leah Solberg Woods, Ph.D., associate professor of pediatrics at MCW and a researcher in the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Research Institute, in a news release. 

Statistics show that roughly 29 million Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association; that's more than nine percent of the total population. It is also known as the 7th leading cause of death, and experts further estimate that many cases of the illnesses are underreported due to comorbidities and complications associated with the disease.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Genetics.