- As per the paper published in the BMC Medical Genetics journal, a team led by researchers in Chennai has isolated a gene named NKX6-1 that causes a rare form of diabetes, called Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY).
- So far 14 known gene variants have been identified that cause MODY
- The new findings could advance the emerging field of precision diabetes, by helping personalise diabetes care.
- Diabetes involves a disruption of how blood sugar is kept in check by the hormone insulin.
- Type-2 diabetes is the most common form of the disorder.
- In MODY, any one of the 14 genes, if defective, can hamper the body’s insulin usage and trigger Type-2 diabetes.
