Scientists have found a new type of diabetes in babies under six months of age

An international team of scientists has discovered a new type of diabetes in babies under six months of ageSome babies develop diabetes before the age of six months In over 85 per cent of cases this is due to a genetic mutation in their DNAUsing advanced DNA sequencing technologies and a new model of stem cell research the team from the University of Exeter in the UK and Universiteacute Libre de Bruxelles ULB identified mutations in the TMEM167A gene responsible for a rare form of neonatal diabetesThey found that in six children with additional neurological disorders such as epilepsy and microcephaly there was alterations in the TMEM167A geneFinding the DNA changes that cause diabetes in babies gives us a unique way to find the genes that play key roles in making and secreting insulin In this collaborative study the finding of specific DNA changes causing this rare type of diabetes in six children led us to clarifying the function of a littleknown gene TMEM167A showing how it plays a key role in insulin secretion said Dr Elisa de Franco at the University of ExeterTo understand its role the team used stem cells differentiated into pancreatic beta cells and geneediting techniques CRISPR They found that when the TMEM167A gene is altered insulinproducing cells can no longer fulfill their role They then activate stress mechanisms that lead to their deathThe ability to generate insulinproducing cells from stem cells has enabled us to study what is dysfunctional in the beta cells of patients with rare forms as well as other types of diabetes This is an extraordinary model for studying disease mechanisms and testing treatments said Professor Miriam Cnop researcher at ULBThe discovery published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation shows that the TMEM167A gene is essential for the proper functioning of insulinproducing beta cells but also for neurons whereas it seems dispensable for other cell types These results contribute to a better understanding of the crucial steps involved in insulin production and could shed light on research into other forms of diabetes a disease which today affects almost 589 million people worldwideThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever