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Title: Analysis of the insulin receptor gene in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus by denaturing gradient gel blots: A clinical research center study

Journal Article · · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
; ;  [1]
  1. Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (United States); and others

We have used a new technique of denaturing gradient gel blotting to determine the prevalence of alterations in the intracellular domain of the insulin receptor in normal individuals and subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). This method detects DNA sequence differences as restriction fragment melting polymorphisms (RFMP) and is sensitive to changes in sequence at both restriction sites and within the fragments themselves. Using restriction digests with AluI, HaeIII, HinfI, RsaI, Sau3A, and Sau96, 12 RFMPs were found to localize to the region of the {beta}-subunit of the insulin receptor gene. Using exon-specific probes, these RFMPs could be localized to specific regions surrounding individual exons, including exons, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, and 22. In general, linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms was inversely related to their distance in the gene structure, although there was a {open_quotes}hot spot{close_quotes} for recombination between exons 19 and 20. No difference in melting temperatures or allele frequency was observed between NIDDM patients and controls. These data indicate that the region of the insulin receptor gene coding for the intracellular portion of the {beta}-subunit is highly polymorphic and that polymorphisms surrounding specific exons can be identified by denaturing gradient gel blotting, but there is no evidence that variation at this locus contributes to NIDDM susceptibility in most individuals. 36 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.

OSTI ID:
283134
Journal Information:
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol. 80, Issue 6; Other Information: PBD: Jun 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English