We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Diabetes Linked to Specific Gene Mutation

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 23 Feb 2010
A recent paper described the role of the RFX6 gene in transforming pancreatic endodermal cells into insulin producing beta cells.

More than 170 million people around the world suffer from diabetes caused by the destruction or dysfunction of pancreatic islet of Langerhans beta cells, which results in insufficiency or lack of insulin.

In a study published in the February 11, 2010, online edition of the journal Nature investigators from McGill University (Montreal, Canada) and the University of California at San Francisco (USA) searched for genes that acted downstream of the known transcription factor neurogenin 3 (Neurog3), which initiates the differentiation of the beta-cells and other islet cell types from pancreatic endoderm.

Using a line of mice genetically engineered to lack the gene RFX6, they established that this gene was required for generation of any of the normal islet cell types except for pancreatic-polypeptide-producing cells. More...
The results in mice mirrored data obtained from human infants with an autosomal recessive syndrome of neonatal diabetes. Genetic mapping and subsequent sequencing identified mutations in the human RFX6 gene in these children.

"This discovery brings us closer to one day finding a cure for diabetes. Now that we know the RFX6 gene is crucial in the process of insulin production, the door is open to finding a cure through gene therapy or therapeutics that will create new islets out of cells from the rest of the pancreas," said contributing author Dr. Constantin Polychronakos, professor of human genetics at McGill University.

Related Links:
McGill University
University of California at San Francisco


Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Neonatal Heel Incision Device
Tenderfoot
New
Nucleic Acid Purification Instrument
QIAsymphony Connect
New
Drug Testing Assays
Atellica DT 250 Analyzer
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders

Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization often presents as pneumonia, particularly in older adults and people with cancer or compromised immune function. Because M protein testing and antibody... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

FDA-Cleared Multiplex PCR Test Detects 13 Respiratory Pathogens in a Single Sample

Respiratory tract infections can be difficult to distinguish at presentation because many cause overlapping, nonspecific symptoms and are initially grouped as influenza-like illnesses. Causes span a range... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.