Oxford University Scientists ID Gene for Insulin Sensitivity

The first single gene cause of increased sensitivity to the hormone insulin has been discovered by a team of Oxford University researchers. The opposite condition -- insulin resistance -- is a common feature of type 2 diabetes, so finding this cause of insulin sensitivity could offer new opportunities for pursuing novel treatments for diabetes. Although mutations in the PTEN gene cause a rare condition with increased risk of cancer, the biological pathways the gene is involved in could offer promising targets for new drugs.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC