Genetic Modifiers of Diabetes

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal aims to identify genetic variants that underlie susceptibility or resistance to developing diabetes and diabetic complications. We have developed a tractable genetic model system using inbred mouse strains carrying a mutation of the leptin receptor. The interaction between the obesity/diabetes syndrome caused by the leptin receptor deficiency and the specific genetic constitution of the inbred strain determines diabetes susceptibility or resistance. Genetic selection of specific chromosomal regions of the mouse genome has identified regions on mouse Chromosome 5 that is responsible for diabetes susceptibility. The region has been reduced to a 15 million base pair region containing ~200 identified genes. This proposal has three aims: 1. Define a critical interval of 100-300 kbp for Modb1. 2. Identify allelic variants that produce nonsynonymous coding sequence variants or expression differences between the C57BL/6 and FVB alleles. 3. Evaluate the impact of Modb1 alleles on beta cell regeneration/proliferation after induction of beta cell apoptosis.