Research provides further evidence that epigenetic changes can cause type 2 diabetes

Key Takeaways

• A new study provides increased support for the idea that modifications to our DNA called epigenetic changes can cause type 2 diabetes. 
• The researchers hope that the results can help them develop methods to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Epigenetics is the study of how cells control the activity of our genes without changing their DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes are modifications to DNA that regulate whether genes are turned on or off, and therefore influence the production of proteins in cells. These modifications, which can arise due to environmental and lifestyle factors, are attached to DNA and do not change the sequence of DNA building blocks. While there is evidence that epigenetic changes are associated with type 2 diabetes, researchers do not know whether these changes cause type 2 diabetes or occur only after a person has become ill. 

A new study by researchers at Lund University provides increased support for the idea that epigenetic changes can cause type 2 diabetes. The researchers behind the new findings published in Nature Communications now aim to develop methods for disease prevention. “Our new extensive study confirms our previous findings from smaller studies, showing that epigenetic changes can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we have also identified new genes that impact the development of the disease. Our hope is that with the help of these results, we can develop methods that can be used to prevent type 2 diabetes,” says Charlotte Ling, professor of diabetes and epigenetics at LUDC, who led the study.

Edited by Miriam Kaplan, PhD

Source: Lund University, Medical Xpress, December 13, 2023; see source article