Tuesday, June 10, 2014
International team unearths strong genetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes in Latin American populations
In the largest study of its kind published to date, an international team of researchers in Mexico and the United States has discovered a strong genetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes that primarily affects Latin American patients, but is rare elsewhere. The work further characterizes a gene called HNF1A, responsible for a rare, inherited form of diabetes against which a widely available and inexpensive class of drugs is highly effective. The discovery offers important new clues about the population genetics of type 2 diabetes in Latin American populations, and suggests the possibility of tailored treatments based on patients’ genetic makeup.
Link to full Broad Institute news release.