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Type 2 Diabetes and Genetics, 2010: Translating Knowledge into Understanding

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Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is epidemic, but much has been learned about its molecular etiology in recent years. In this review, we present the substantial evidence for the contribution of genetic variation to the development of T2D that has accumulated over the past decade, emphasizing the respective contribution of candidate gene, linkage analysis, and genome-wide association approaches. We then discuss how this emerging knowledge is informing and reshaping the understanding of T2D biology and how, in the near term, genetics may be used clinically to identify individuals who are at risk of disease or who may derive benefit from specific treatment modalities. In the final section, we address common questions posed to T2D geneticists and highlight the future approaches that will continue to improve our understanding of T2D genetics.

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Disclosure

Dr. Florez has worked as a consultant for Merck, XOMA, and Daiichi-Sankyo. He has received honoraria from Pfizer and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Geoffrey A. Walford & Jose C. Florez

  2. Diabetes Research Center (Diabetes Unit), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Geoffrey A. Walford & Jose C. Florez

  3. Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA

    Geoffrey A. Walford & Jose C. Florez

  4. Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Geoffrey A. Walford & Jose C. Florez

  5. Diabetes Unit/Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Building—CPZN 5.250, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Jose C. Florez

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  1. Geoffrey A. Walford
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Correspondence to Jose C. Florez.

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Walford, G.A., Florez, J.C. Type 2 Diabetes and Genetics, 2010: Translating Knowledge into Understanding. Curr Cardio Risk Rep 4, 437–445 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-010-0129-1

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