title: Understanding type 1 diabetes through genetics: advances and prospects.
abstract: Starting with early crucial discoveries of the role of the major histocompatibility complex, genetic studies have long had a role in understanding the biology of type 1 diabetes (T1D), which is one of the most heritable common diseases. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have given us a clearer picture of the allelic architecture of genetic susceptibility to T1D. Fine mapping and functional studies are gradually revealing the complex mechanisms whereby immune self-tolerance is lost, involving multiple aspects of adaptive immunity. The triggering of these events by dysregulation of the innate immune system has also been implicated by genetic evidence. Finally, genetic prediction of T1D risk is showing promise of use for preventive strategies.
authors: Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada H3H 1P3. Constantin. Polychronakos@mcgill.ca
authors: Constantin
authors: C
authors: Polychronakos
authors: Quan
authors: Q
authors: Li
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000235:genetics*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000235:genetics*; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci