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Current Diabetes Reports
Published in: Current Diabetes Reports 9/2017

Open Access 01-09-2017 | Genetics (AP Morris, Section Editor)

Prioritising Causal Genes at Type 2 Diabetes Risk Loci

Authors: Antje K. Grotz, Anna L. Gloyn, Soren K. Thomsen

Published in: Current Diabetes Reports | Issue 9/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk have identified a large number of genetic loci associated with disease susceptibility. However, progress moving from association signals through causal genes to functional understanding has so far been slow, hindering clinical translation. This review discusses the benefits and limitations of emerging, unbiased approaches for prioritising causal genes at T2D risk loci.

Recent Findings

Candidate causal genes can be identified by a number of different strategies that rely on genetic data, genomic annotations, and functional screening of selected genes. To overcome the limitations of each particular method, integration of multiple data sets is proving essential for establishing confidence in the prioritised genes. Previous studies have also highlighted the need to support these efforts through identification of causal variants and disease-relevant tissues.

Summary

Prioritisation of causal genes at T2D risk loci by integrating complementary lines of evidence promises to accelerate our understanding of disease pathology and promote translation into new therapeutics.
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Metadata
Title
Prioritising Causal Genes at Type 2 Diabetes Risk Loci
Authors
Antje K. Grotz
Anna L. Gloyn
Soren K. Thomsen
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Diabetes Reports / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 1534-4827
Electronic ISSN: 1539-0829
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0907-y

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WHO estimates that half of all patients worldwide are non-adherent to their prescribed medication. The consequences of poor adherence can be catastrophic, on both the individual and population level.

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