In the current project, genetic determinants of non-renal complications of diabetes and related traits are being sought using techniques of genetic linkage and association analysis. (For a report on renal complications see Genetic Epidemiology of Diabetic Nephropathy Z01 DK069094.) Lymphoblast cell lines have been established from informative pedigrees. DNA is available from other families in nuclear pellets extracted from blood specimens obtained in the epidemiologic studies. Families with many diabetic members have been ascertained through the epidemiologic studies and most have participated in studies of genetics of diabetes or nephropathy (see also Genetic Epidemiology of Diabetes and Obesity Z01 DK069028). Some families have been studied in collaboration with the multicenter Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND). Genome-wide linkage studies of total cholesterol levels in the Pimas have identified strong evidence for linkage on chromosome 19p. The heritability of diabetic retinopathy has assessed in individuals who participated in the multicenter Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND), in collaboration with FIND investigators;severe retinopathy was moderately heritable. We have also begun to assess candidate genes for retinopathy and glycemic control in regions implicated by genome-wide association studies in other populations. Current studies involve systematic surveys of candidate genes in the chromosome 19p region linked to total cholesterol levels. Periodontitis has also been assessed in these pedigrees and linkage and association analyses are currently being conducted. Association with diabetic retinopathy will also be assessed in individuals who participated in the FIND genome-wide association study for nephropathy;genotyping for this study is ongoing.
| Acuna-Alonzo, Victor; Flores-Dorantes, Teresa; Kruit, Janine K et al. (2010) A functional ABCA1 gene variant is associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels and shows evidence of positive selection in Native Americans. Hum Mol Genet 19:2877-85 |
| Chakkera, H A; Hanson, R L; Raza, S M et al. (2009) Pilot study: association of traditional and genetic risk factors and new-onset diabetes mellitus following kidney transplantation. Transplant Proc 41:4172-7 |
