Gene leading to diabetes identified by Australian researchers

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Australian researchers have identified a master gene which could be the key to reversing Type 2 diabetes. Called Id1, the gene switches on and disrupts beta cells inside the pancreas responsible for insulin production when a person eats high-fat diet.

“The insulin producing cells in the pancreas, a lot of genes are required for their normal function. This gene (we identified) is a master regulator of those other genes. That’s why it would be an effective gene to target,” Dr Ross Laybutt of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney wrote in the Diabetes journal.

Mr Laybutt said that the gene is also known to play a role in cancer and there are existing drugs to target Id1. The institute’s Diabetes and Obesity Research Program is planning to test if the drugs could switch off the gene which could result in prevention or reversal of Type 2 diabetes.

Ref and Read more: http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/218668/20110923/gene-could-be-key-to-type-2-diabetes-reversal.htm

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