Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2): a culprit gene in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The genetics of Type 2 diabetes a complex metabolic disorder, characterized by decreased insulin secretion and insulin resistance resulting in impaired blood glucose homeostasis remains enigma for geneticists. In 2006 an important step while finding genetic causes of diabetes type 2 was identification of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene an important marker in predisposition of type 2 diabetes in almost all ethnic population. Recent genetic research identifies numerous novel type 2 diabetes susceptible genes among these genes TCF7L2 is considered as gang head and emerged as the most promising types 2 diabetes causing gene. Risk variants in TCF7L2 effects pancreatic beta cell development and insulin secretion by influencing Wnt Signaling pathway. Genetic variants in TCF7L2 confer risk for type 2 diabetes by altering expression of transcription factor (which has key role in blood glucose regulation) in pancreas. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate type 2 diabetes susceptible gene the TCF7L2 and to present a comprehensive review of studies carried out worldwide in different ethnic population on association of TCF7L2 polymorphism with type 2 diabetes.