Gene mutation raises disease risk by 50 percent
A new study has identified a specific gene mutation that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 50 percent. Led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, the findings come from a five-year analysis of 1,000 participants. The discovery highlights potential pathways for early detection and treatment.
The research, published on September 27, 2025, in the journal Nature, was spearheaded by Dr. Jane Smith and her team at the University of California, Berkeley. Over five years starting in 2020, the scientists examined genetic data from 1,000 individuals, focusing on variations in the ABCDE gene. They found that carriers of the mutation faced a 50 percent higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-carriers.
"This mutation disrupts insulin regulation at a cellular level, which we observed consistently across our diverse participant group," Dr. Smith stated in the study's press release. The cohort included people from various ethnic backgrounds, ensuring the results' broad applicability. Previous studies had hinted at genetic factors in diabetes, but this is the first to quantify this mutation's impact so precisely.
The implications are significant for public health. With type 2 diabetes affecting over 400 million people worldwide, early genetic screening could allow for preventive measures like lifestyle interventions. However, the researchers caution that environmental factors also play a role, and more studies are needed to confirm these links in larger populations.
This work builds on ongoing efforts in genomics, where advances in sequencing technology have accelerated such discoveries. Funding came from the National Institutes of Health, underscoring government support for precision medicine.