METHODS OF DIAGNOSING AND TREATING DIABETES AND OBESITY

摘要

The invention relates to the identification of genes which are responsible for type 2 diabetes and obesity and to the use thereof in diagnosis and therapy methods for animals (including humans). The invention involves the use of a purified DNA comprising a sequence which encodes the DOR (Diabetes- and Obesity-Regulated) gene, which is found in chromosome 20 (in humans) close to a locus related to a hereditary form of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. The invention also involves the use of novel polynucleotides of the DOR gene and the polypeptides encoded by said polynucleotides. The invention further relates to a method of diagnosing diabetes mellitus and/or obesity based on the analysis of mutations in the DOR gene. Finally, the invention relates to methods of treating diabetes mellitus and/or obesity based on the fact that mutations in DOR can cause diabetes and/or obesity.