Washington: Scientists from Michigan Technological University have identified 11 new genetic variants linked to Type 2 diabetes.
With the help of Ensemble Learning Approach (ELA) software, the researchers have isolated 11 variations within genes—called single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs or snips, associated with Type 2 diabetes.
"With chronic, complex diseases like Parkinson``s, diabetes and ALS [Lou Gehrig``s disease], multiple genes are involved," said Qiuying Sha, an assistant professor of mathematical sciences.
“You need a powerful test," Sha added.
To test their model, the researchers analyzed over 1,000 people in the United Kingdom, half with Type 2 diabetes and half without.
They identified 11 SNPs that, singly or in pairs, are linked to the disease with a high degree of probability.
ELA is used to compare the genetic makeup of unrelated individuals to sort out disease-related genes.
The team has also developed another approach, which uses a two-stage association test that incorporates founders`` phenotypes, called TTFP, that can examine the genomes of family members going back generations.
The team has published their findings in the European Journal of Human Genetics.
ANI