Rare Genetic Variants Linked to Six-Fold Higher Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered rare genetic variants that significantly raise the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that these variants can increase risk six-fold and are carried by one in 3,000 people. The research, funded by the Medical Research Council and UK Biobank, supported by various organizations, highlights the potential of sequencing large numbers of genomes to identify such risk factors. Carriers have a 30% risk of developing the condition, compared to around 5% in the general population. The variants, found in the GIGYF1 gene, control insulin and cell growth factor signalling, making it a potential target for future studies on metabolic and cellular ageing. Intriguingly, people carrying these variants also show signs of more widespread ageing, including weaker muscle strength and more body fat. The authors, including Shishir Shashikant and Pierpaolo De Bona, suggest that these variants may contribute to accelerated ageing processes. The discovery of these rare genetic variants offers new insights into the complex interplay between genetics and ageing. Further research is needed to understand how these risk factors influence metabolic health and ageing processes. The study's findings, with DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24504-y, underscore the power of large-scale genome sequencing in unravelling the genetic basis of common diseases.
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