Approved research

Genomic mechanisms of genetic variants influencing risk of diabetes and diabetic complications

Lay summary

The broad goals of this research are to understand how genetic variation between individuals influences risk of developing type 1 and 2 diabetes. First we will compare genetic variants present in individuals with and without diabetes, and identify variants that are more present in one group. Second, using these diabetes variants we will determine which genes they affect and which tissues they affect these genes in for example pancreatic islets, liver, muscle and fat. Third, we will validate the genes and tissues affected by these variants using additional molecular studies. In this research we will identify genetic variants that predispose individuals to developing diabetes and their functions. The findings of this research will uncover new genes involved in diabetes pathogenesis and the tissues and cells that these genes are affected in. This information can be used to help identify areas for diabetes prevention and treatment avenues, for example understanding an individual's risk of developing diabetes if they inherit these variants, understanding how diabetes develops in at-risk individuals, and identifying new drug targets from the implicated genes. In total this project will take 1-3 years to complete.