Key Gene in Type 1 Diabetes Identified

(Ivanhoe Newswire) — A gene that may play a critical role in the development of type 1 diabetes has been identified and could lead to new drug treatments and even gene therapy for the disease, say chemists who announced their findings today at the 229th national meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego. Lead study author Yousef Al-Abed, Ph.D., a chemist from the Institute for Medical Research of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in Manhasset, N.Y., and colleagues conducted several studies involving the MIF gene. MIF stands for macrophage migration inhibitory factor, which is a protein that contributes to inflammation. Their research shows the MIF gene, which has shown to be elevated in diabetic animals, may regulate other proteins in the development of type 1 diabetes. The research team evaluated mice lacking the MIF gene. These mice did not develop type 1 diabetes when compared to mice who had the gene. While this does not mean MIF is the only gene involved in type 1 diabetes, researchers say the finding means efforts to block the formation of the MIF protein could be a promising new treatment for type 1 diabetes. A possible drug based on blocking MIF protein is already being tested. The same research group last year showed the synthetic compound called ISO-1 blocked MIF in mice and prevented type 1 diabetes from developing. If the compound or its derivatives works in humans, it could help prediabetic people, especially children, avoid a lifetime of insulin injections and ultimately save lives, Al-Abed says.