Despite tons of research, there are still a number of unknowns surrounding Type 1 diabetes, including what causes the disease. However, a new study may help scientists understand the disease a bit better.
Researchers from the Scripps Research Institute have revealed how genetic mutations can lead to the disease and its auto-immune component, according to an article from Medical News Today. In fact, three specific genetic variations in an area of the genome known as HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) are known to up the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.
The genes encode molecules that send protein fragments to T-cells, which are the immune cells that decide whether those protein fragments are part of the body and should be left alone or are foreign and need to be destroyed.
The researchers honed in one part of the B chain of HLA molecules known as position 57. People not predisposed to developing Type 1 diabetes have a negatively charged residue at that position. Those who are predisposed to the disease have a neutrally charged residue at position. Those with the neutral charge attracted a specific type of T-cell. T-cells have the ability to turn on the body’s own cells and destroy them.
The study’s researchers say the discovery explains why certain molecules are associated with the disease. They say this may potentially lead to new treatment for people with Type 1 diabetes. Currently, people with Type 1 diabetes have to inject insulin into their body on a continuing basis because all of their insulin-producing cells have been destroyed. Insulin is needed to regulate the level of sugar in the blood.
To receive free news updates from Diabetes News Hound delivered straight to your Inbox, sign up here.
If you already receive the free Alerts, spread the word by telling a friend to sign up here.
