Re: MOD-- MODY Genes Wambo

[Guest guest]

Thanks for this Wambo

Faith

> GREETINGS

> MODY Genes

> So far, scientists have identified five genes that can put a person

> at risk for developing MODY, and they are continuing to look for

> more. Each of these genes interferes with the normal release of

> insulin by the pancreas. (This is in contrast to Type 1 diabetics,

> who fail to produce insulin because the immune system destroys the

> insulin-producing cells.) With too little insulin being produced,

> cells of the body are unable to use the sugar glucose for fuel.

>

> Although there are five genes that cause MODY, only three are well

> understood:

>

> HNF-4alpha: Although this was the first gene discovered, it is

> responsible for diabetes in only a small number of MODY families. A

> mutation in this gene causes a severe form of diabetes. In fact, 30

> percent of people with a mutation in HNF-4alpha require insulin to

> control their diabetes.

>

> GCK: This is the most common gene that is mutated in MODY families,

> accounting for 50 to 60 percent of MODY cases. It normally helps

> regulate how the pancreas releases insulin in response to glucose.

> People with a mutation in GCK develop a relatively mild form of

> diabetes that rarely requires insulin for treatment.

>

> HNF-1alpha: Mutations in this gene account for roughly 25 percent

of

> MODY families. People with a mutation in HNF-1alpha develop a more

> serious form of diabetes and are at high risk for eye disease.

> wambo1941

>