Discovery of human genetic mutation could lead to new treatments for type 1 diabetes

Discovery of human genetic mutation could lead to new treatments for type 1 diabetes
This image shows a measurement of blood glucose by a patient with type 1 diabetes following a pricking of the finger with a lancet. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is recommended for people with type 1 diabetes before each injection of insulin and when hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is suspected. Credit: Cell Metabolism, Biason-Lauber et al.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, but the precise cause has not been clear. A study published by Cell Press on March 5th in Cell Metabolism reveals that a single mutation in the "longevity gene" SIRT1 can cause type 1 diabetes in humans. The findings unearth the role this gene plays in human autoimmunity and disease and also offer new avenues for treating a range of autoimmune disorders.

"We describe one of the first single gene defects leading to , as well as the first human mutation in the SIRT1 gene," says senior study author Marc Donath of University Hospital Basel. "Our findings reveal a potential mechanistic basis for the development of a treatment for type 1 diabetes and other ."

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong, potentially fatal disease, typically diagnosed in young individuals, in which in the pancreas do not produce enough of the , resulting in high levels of blood sugar. Animal studies have shown that a gene called SIRT1, which is well known for its role in promoting longevity and protecting against age-related diseases, also regulates and the development of autoimmune conditions, and activation of this gene can protect against type 1 diabetes. But until now, the role of SIRT1 in human autoimmunity and disease was not known.

Discovery of human genetic mutation could lead to new treatments for type 1 diabetes
This image shows a patient with type 1 diabetes injecting herself with insulin. Patients with the disease have to inject insulin before each meal. Credit: Cell Metabolism, Biason-Lauber et al.

In the new study, Donath and his team described a family carrying a mutation in the SIRT1 gene. All five affected members developed an autoimmune disorder, and four developed type 1 diabetes. Using a combination of gene-sequencing techniques, the researchers identified a previously undocumented mutation that caused an amino acid substitution in the SIRT1 protein. Moreover, inactivation of the SIRT1 gene in mice led to the destruction of the insulin-producing region of the pancreas, resulting in high levels of blood sugar.

"The identification of a gene leading to type 1 diabetes should allow us to understand the mechanism responsible for the disease and may open up new treatment options," Donath says. "To follow up on this study, we are creating a mouse that carries the mutation, with the hope of developing an animal model for human type 1 diabetes, and we are exploring the possibility of conducting a clinical study with SIRT1 activators."

More information: Cell Metabolism, Biason-Lauber et al.: "Mutation of SIRT1 in a Family with Type 1 Diabetes." dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2013.02.001

Journal information: Cell Metabolism
Provided by Cell Press
Citation: Discovery of human genetic mutation could lead to new treatments for type 1 diabetes (2013, March 5) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-03-discovery-human-genetic-mutation-treatments.html
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