Genetic elements that influence risk of type-2 diabetes identified

Washington, Nov 3 (ANI): Scientists have captured the most comprehensive snapshot to date of DNA regions that regulate genes in human pancreatic islet cells, a subset of which produces insulin.

The study by a team of scientists at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) highlights the importance of genome regulatory sequences in human health and disease, particularly type-2 diabetes.

"This study applies the power of epigenomics to a common disease with both inherited and environmental causes," said NHGRI Scientific Director Daniel Kastner.

"Epigenomic studies are exciting new avenues for genomic analysis, providing the opportunity to peer deeper into genome function, and giving rise to new insights about our genome's adaptability and potential," Kastner said.

The researchers used DNA sequencing technology to search the chromatin of islet cells for specific histone modifications and other signals marking regulatory DNA.

Computational analysis of the large amounts of DNA sequence data generated in this study identified different classes of regulatory DNA.

"This study gives us an encyclopedia of regulatory elements in islet cells of the human pancreas that may be important for normal function and whose potential dysfunction can contribute to disease," said senior author Francis S. Collins.

"These elements represent an important component of the uncharted genetic underpinnings of type-2 diabetes that is outside of protein-coding genes," Collins said.

The findings appear in Nov. 3 issue of Cell Metabolism. (ANI)