Researchers identified gene mutations that could help reduce the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes even among those at risk.
For the study, the researchers conducted genetic testing of 150,000 people. They found a rare mutation gene, 'SLC30A8', that helps even obese or elderly people from getting Type 2 diabetes, which affects over 300 million people worldwide.
They chose participants with severe risk factors for diabetes, such as advanced age and obesity, who did not develop the disease and in fact had normal blood sugar levels. They concentrated on a set of genes previously identified as playing a role in Type 2 diabetes and used next-generation sequencing to search for rare mutations.
The researchers at the Broad Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) stated that if a drug that models the protective effect of the rare mutations is developed, it could help prevent the rapidly increasing diseases.
"This work underscores that human genetics is not just a tool for understanding biology; it can powerfully inform drug discovery by addressing one of the most challenging and important questions, knowing which targets to go after," David Altshuler, deputy director and chief academic officer at the broad institute and a Harvard Medical School professor at MGH, said in a press release.
The researchers explained that the rare mutations in the gene 'SLC30A8' reduce risk of type 2 diabetes by 65 percent. The effect was seen on patients from different ethnic groups. This possible drug has the ability to help people across the world.
"This remarkable collaboration involved many partners who are fully dedicated to the pursuit of therapies for type 2 diabetes," said Altshuler. "It's amazing to see what can be learned when everyone works together."
The study was published in the journal Nature Genetics.
