Predicting type 1 diabetes through epigenetic alterations

Children with type 1 diabetes had epigenetic changes in their immune system cells before antibodies to the disease were detected in their blood

Epigenetic changes affect how our genes work

Researchers at Turku Biosciences at the University of Turku, Finland, have discovered an epigenetic makeup linked to diabetes in two new studies

"We discovered previously unknown early-onset epigenetic changes

Early research suggests that certain antibodies detected in children's blood samples point to an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes in the near future

"Our observations on epigenetics are very important as we aim to develop methods and tools to prevent the onset of the disease in children at risk of developing type 1 diabetes," said Professor Laura Elo

Finnish children at increased risk of type 1 diabetes

In Finland, children are at the highest risk of developing type 1 diabetes in the world

These newly published studies are based on long-term interdisciplinary research collaborations with international partners

"Our research is the result of close collaboration with Professor Mikael Knip from the University of Helsinki, who coordinated an EU-funded study