Chinese Medical JournalA team of researchers is studying the interplay of genetic and environmental factors by summarizing the literature on type 1 diabetes and epigenetics – the study of how gene expression patterns can be changed. These findings have important implications for the management of type 1 diabetes. Recognition: Chinese Medical Journal“width =” 800 “height =” 530 “/> Epigenetic Factors – The Bridge Between Environmental Impacts and Genetic Risk in Type 1 Diabetes Genetics play an important role in determining a person’s risk of developing Type 1 diabetes In a recent article published in the Chinese Medical Journal, a research team examines the interplay of genetic and environmental factors by summarizing the literature on type 1 diabetes and epigenetics – the study, how Gene expression patterns can be modified, and these findings have important implications for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Source: Chinese Medical Journal
Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the immune system inappropriately targets a class of cells in the pancreas known as β cells that produce the hormone insulin, which plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and metabolism Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins play a role. Loss of insulin causes a number of health problems in people with type 1 diabetes, and patients rely on insulin injections for survival. Even with insulin therapy, people with type 1 diabetes have a shorter lifespan and an increased risk of developing myriad complications.
Previous studies have identified numerous genetic risk factors for type 1 diabetes. One notable finding is the importance of the HLA region, a portion of the human genome that contains multiple genes and explains about 40–50% of the genetic risk for type 1 diabetes. However, studies in identical twins have identified cases where one twin develops type 1 diabetes and the other twin does not – suggesting that genetic risk factors may not fully explain the occurrence of type 1 diabetes. This finding is consistent with the known relevance of certain environmental factors. For example, most studies have found that breastfeeding and vitamin D consumption protect against type 1 diabetes, and that cow’s milk and the early introduction of gluten increase the risk of type 1 diabetes. In addition, microbes in the human gut play an important role in human health and digestion, and patients with type 1 diabetes often lack the diversity of their gut microbiota.
To better explain the risk factors for type 1 diabetes, medical researchers have turned to the field of epigenetics, which studies how environmental and lifestyle factors can affect the expression of genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. In recent years, various research groups have published studies that confirm that epigenetic changes related to environmental conditions contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes. In a review recently published in the Chinese Medical Journal, a team of researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, led by Drs. Cong-Yi Wang and Fei Xiong, summarized how epigenetic factors modulate the risk of type 1 diabetes. They also aimed to discuss the potential of these epigenetic factors to serve as markers for monitoring disease progression and as targets for therapeutics.
An important mechanism in epigenetics is DNA methylation, which refers to the presence of chemical markers called methyl groups on DNA. DNA methylation patterns affect whether and how much a gene is expressed, and previous studies have identified numerous methylation sites that affect the risk of type 1 diabetes. Some of these methylation sites lie within the previously mentioned HLA regions, which is of great relevance for type 1 diabetes. Other methylation sites influence the INS gene, which, after the HLA region, influences the risk of type 1 diabetes in second place.
Role of epigenetic factors in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Genetics play an important role in determining a person’s risk of developing type 1 diabetes, but environmental and lifestyle factors are also important. In a recent article published in the Chinese Medical Journal, a team of researchers examines the interplay of genetic and environmental factors by summarizing the literature on type 1 diabetes and epigenetics – the study of how gene expression patterns can be modified. These findings have important implications for the management of type 1 diabetes. Photo credit: Chinese Medical Journal
Another mechanism of epigenetics is the chemical modification of histones, which are proteins that have strands of DNA wrapped around them. Several studies have reported abnormal histone modification patterns in patients with type 1 diabetes. These changes can increase the risk of type 1 diabetes by affecting the expression of genes associated with inflammation and immunity, and the elevated blood sugar levels associated with type 1 diabetes can also cause abnormal histone modification patterns.
Epigenetic effects can also be expressed in the form of non-coding RNAs, which are RNA molecules that have functional roles other than the standard function of providing instructions for protein synthesis. Non-coding RNAs are a diverse class of genetic molecules and can bind DNA, other strands of RNA, and proteins. Through their various effects, they can promote or suppress the expression of certain genes. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNAs can contribute to type 1 diabetes by affecting the immune system and causing β-cell dysfunction.
Dr. Wang says, “Given the relationship between epigenetic changes and type 1 diabetes, various epigenetic changes could serve as markers for disease progression and treatment effects, or even as targets for future therapeutics. For example, non-coding RNAs can be measured non-invasively, while changes while in DNA methylation levels and patterns for certain genes could indicate that a genetically predisposed person is developing type 1 diabetes. ”In addition, the researchers cite studies that provide evidence for this found that drugs that alter DNA methylation could benefit patients with type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Xiong says, “Based on the literature available, it is clear that environmental-induced epigenetic changes modulate the expression of critical genes that are relevant to the initiation and progression of autoimmunity and β-cell destruction and therefore to the development of type 1 diabetes involved .” This information will be valuable to medical researchers who wish to develop new ways to predict the onset of type 1 diabetes, assess the severity and progression of the disease, and provide effective treatment options for patients.
Differences in gene expression attributed to type I diabetes progression
More information:
Jing Zhang et al., Implication of Epigenetic Factors in the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes, Chinese Medical Journal (2021). DOI: 10.1097 / CM9.0000000000001450
Provided by the Chinese Medical Journal
Quote: Beyond Mere Blueprints: Variable Gene Expression Patterns and Type 1 Diabetes (2021, June 18), accessed June 18, 2021 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-06-mere-blueprints-variable-gene- patterns.html
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