We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
ZeptoMetrix an Antylia scientific company

Download Mobile App




Age-Related Epigenetic Changes May Lead to Development of Diabetes in Later Life

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 11 Apr 2016
Epigenetic changes that cause increased methylation and partial or complete inactivation of genes during aging may contribute to the development of type II diabetes in older individuals.

Investigators at Lund University (Malmö, Sweden) examined whether age-related epigenetic changes affected human islet function and if blood-based epigenetic biomarkers reflected those changes and were linked to the future appearance of type II diabetes. More...
To accomplish this task, they analyzed DNA methylation in the genomes of pancreatic islet cells obtained from 87 non-diabetic donors, aged 26–74 years.

They reported in the March 31, 2016, online edition of the journal Nature Communications that aging was associated with increased DNA methylation of 241 sites. These sites covered genetic loci previously associated with type II diabetes, for example, KLF14 (Krüppel-like factor 14). Blood-based epigenetic biomarkers reflected age-related methylation changes in 83 genes identified in human islets (for example, KLF14, FHL2 (Four and a half LIM domains 2), ZNF518B (Zinc finger protein 518B), and FAM123C (APC membrane recruitment protein 3). Some of these proteins were linked to insulin secretion and type II diabetes. Silencing these genes in beta-cells altered – often increasing – insulin secretion.

"Increased insulin secretion actually protects against type II diabetes. It could be the body's way of protecting itself when other tissue becomes resistant to insulin, which often happens as we get older", said senior author Dr. Charlotte Ling, professor of clinical science at Lund University. "You cannot change your genes and the risks that they entail, but epigenetics means that you can affect the DNA methylations, and thereby gene activity, through lifestyle choices."

Related Links:

Lund University



Platinum Member
Xylazine Immunoassay Test
Xylazine ELISA
Verification Panels for Assay Development & QC
Seroconversion Panels
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
Gold Member
Automated Staining Unit
RAL Stainer
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: QIP-MS could predict and detect myeloma relapse earlier compared to currently used techniques (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Mass Spectrometry-Based Monitoring Technique to Predict and Identify Early Myeloma Relapse

Myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow, is currently incurable, though many patients can live for over 10 years after diagnosis. However, around 1 in 5 individuals with myeloma have a high-risk... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The cancer stem cell test can accurately choose more effective treatments (Photo courtesy of University of Cincinnati)

Stem Cell Test Predicts Treatment Outcome for Patients with Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer frequently responds to chemotherapy initially, but eventually, the tumor develops resistance to the therapy, leading to regrowth. This resistance is partially due to the activation... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Ziyang Wang and Shengxi Huang have developed a tool that enables precise insights into viral proteins and brain disease markers (Photo courtesy of Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

Light Signature Algorithm to Enable Faster and More Precise Medical Diagnoses

Every material or molecule interacts with light in a unique way, creating a distinct pattern, much like a fingerprint. Optical spectroscopy, which involves shining a laser on a material and observing how... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: The collaboration aims to leverage Oxford Nanopore\'s sequencing platform and Cepheid\'s GeneXpert system to advance the field of sequencing for infectious diseases (Photo courtesy of Cepheid)

Cepheid and Oxford Nanopore Technologies Partner on Advancing Automated Sequencing-Based Solutions

Cepheid (Sunnyvale, CA, USA), a leading molecular diagnostics company, and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (Oxford, UK), the company behind a new generation of sequencing-based molecular analysis technologies,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.