Could our genes hold the key to future diabetes treatments?
Exciting new DRWF-funded research could unlock new treatments for diabetes, and redress health inequalities faced by British Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities.
Dr Sarah Finer, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Diabetes and Honorary Consultant in Diabetes, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, was awarded a £19,771 Pump Priming Grant for the study Uncovering novel, rare genetic causes of type 2 diabetes in people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage participating in East London Genes and Health.
Introduction
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and its prevalence is particularly high among certain communities, such as the British Bangladeshi and Pakistani populations.
While most are familiar with type 2 diabetes, the underlying causes and the intricate science behind it can be complex.
Dr Finer’s recent DRWF-funded study delved deep into the question: what if our genes could offer clues to understanding, preventing and even treating this condition?
The Genes and Health study
The Genes and Health study is a large-scale research project focusing on British Bangladeshi and Pakistani volunteers. Historically, these communities have been underrepresented in research studies.
The primary goals of this study are twofold:
• Address the health inequalities faced by these communities, such as higher rates of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Increase the representation of these communities in scientific research.
With more than 55,000 volunteers already participating, the study aims togather insights from 100,000 individuals in total.
The role of “knockout genes”
Imagine genes as tiny instruction manuals within our cells. Sometimes, a gene might have a “misprint” or error, causing it not to work properly.
These are called “knockout genes”. By studying individuals with these genes, researchers have been trying to understand how these rare genetic changes can provide insights into how our body functions and why certain diseases develop.
One of the significant findings from the study revolves around a gene called MC3R (melanocortin 3 receptor). This gene plays a crucial role in how our brain controls our body’s development, puberty and growth during childhood.
One volunteer with a “knocked out” MC3R gene had delayed puberty, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and was shorter in height. This discovery could help understand the causes of delayed puberty and the potential roles of this gene in obesity as well as diabetes.
The potential for future treatments
The study findings are not just academic. By understanding the role of these genes in diabetes and metabolism, researchers hope to identify potential targets for future drug treatments. For example, if a specific gene is found to play a significant role in diabetes, drugs could be developed to target that gene’s function, potentially offering a new treatment avenue.
The study is currently exploring other genes related to diabetes and obesity. Researchers hope their investigations will reveal more genetic causes of these conditions and possibly identify new targets for future drug treatments.
Challenges and implications
Like all scientific endeavours, the study faced its share of challenges. From changes in scientific collaboration to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the research team had to adapt and pivot.
However, despite these challenges, the study’s implications are vast:
• Scientific discovery
The study has uncovered new areas of biology, providing insights into how our bodies work and the potential mechanisms behind diseases like diabetes.
• Drug development
The findings could lead to advances in drug development, offering hope for more effective treatments in the future.
• Broadening research
The success of the Genes and Health study has paved the way for other research projects, expanding our understanding of various diseases and conditions.
The bigger picture
The Genes and Health study is a testament to the power of genetic research. By understanding our genes, we can gain invaluable insights into diseases like diabetes, offering hope for better treatments and a healthier future.
For the British Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities, this research represents a step towards addressing health inequalities and ensuring that medical advancements benefit everyone equitably.
Dr Sarah Finer, principal investigator of the study, said: “The generous Pump Priming Award made to me by DRWF at a critical juncture of my career has been invaluable and highly successful.
“I am very grateful to the DRWF team and those supporting its work financially for making this award possible.”
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