Scientists have discovered a new type of diabetes in infants

Advanced DNA sequencing technologies and a new stem cell research model have allowed an international team of scientists to discover a new type of diabetes in infants. This is reported by the Medical Xpress magazine.

The University of Exeter Medical School, in collaboration with the University of the Free University of Brussels (ULB) and other partners, has established that mutations in the TMEM167A gene are the cause of a rare form of neonatal diabetes.

Some infants develop diabetes before the age of six months. In more than 85% of cases, this is due to a genetic mutation in their DNA. Studies have shown that six children with additional neurological disorders such as epilepsy and microcephaly had changes in one gene, TMEM167A.

To understand its role, the team of ULB professor Miriam Knop used stem cells differentiated into pancreatic beta cells and gene editing technology (CRISPR). They found that when the TMEM167A gene is changed, the insulin-producing cells can no longer perform their function. They activate stress mechanisms that lead to their death.

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"Detecting DNA changes that cause diabetes in infants gives us a unique way to discover genes that play a key role in insulin production and secretion. In this joint study, the discovery of specific DNA changes that cause this rare type of diabetes in six children allowed us to clarify the function of the little—known TMEM167A gene, showing how it plays a key role in insulin secretion," said Eliza DeFranco, a doctor from the University of Exeter.

Knop added that the ability to generate insulin-producing cells from stem cells allowed scientists to study what is wrong in the beta cells of patients with rare forms of diabetes, as well as with other types of diabetes. According to her, this is an extraordinary model for studying disease mechanisms and testing treatment methods.

This discovery showed that the TMEM167A gene is necessary for the normal functioning of insulin-producing beta cells, as well as for neurons. However, for other types of cells, as noted, it is not so important. These results contribute to a better understanding of the key steps involved in insulin production and may shed light on research into other forms of diabetes, a disease that currently affects almost 589 million people worldwide.

Earlier, on October 1, the Sohu portal reported on the ability of breakfast to affect blood sugar levels throughout the day. It was noted that the morning meal plays the role of a "stabilizer" and is caused by the unique metabolic rhythms of the body and hormonal changes. According to the publication, in comparison with a high-carb breakfast, people who consume low-carb sugar levels are more stable throughout the day.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.