Genetic Studies in Type II Diabetes

DNA samples and longitudinal health data have been collected from over 2,500 diabetic patients in Salford and across Greater Manchester. These have formed the basis for a range of genetic studies focussing on genetic factors that determine the development of co-morbidity, disease progression and outcome. These studies take advantage of the Salford integrated electronic record for patient health data across primary and secondary care.

One focus has centred on genes of the IGF (insulin-like growth factor) system. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in these genes have been examined for association with diabetic complications. To date, SNPs in IGF1, IGF2 and IGFB1 have been associated with altered risk of cardiovascular disease, nephropathy and weight gain in diabetes. We are particularly interested in the relationship between obesity, BMI and type II diabetes.

The Salford diabetic cohort has also been included in an international whole genome association screen in collaboration with Professor Jukka Salonen (Finland).

Key Manchester researchers

• Martin Gibson (Salford Royal)
• John New (Salford Royal)
• Bill Ollier
• Adrian Heald (Mid Cheshire NHS FT)
• Rachelle Donn
• Prakash Narayanan (University of Liverpool)
• Kirk Siddals (Salford Royal)
• Simon Anderson (CMFT)