No contribution of a GT microsatellite polymorphism in the promoter region of the FOXP3 gene to susceptibility to type 1 diabetes in the Japanese population.

摘要

Dear Editor, Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by T cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells , The F0XP3 gene that is located on chromosome Xp 11.23 encodes a member of the forehead transcriptional factor family and is a key regulatory gene for the development of CD4~+CD25~+ regulatory T-cells , which are engaged in dominant control in self-reactive T-cells . A rare recessive monogenic disorder called IPEX (immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, including type 1 diabetes, enteropathy, and X-linked syndrome) is caused by mutations in the FOXP3 gene , Therefore, there is a possibility that FOXP3 gene may also play a role in autoimmune process in common type 1 diabetes. Association between variations of the FOXP3 gene and type 1 diabetes was analyzed in the Japanese population and the Sardinian population , but the results were conflicting. The former study reported that in (GT)n microsatellite polymorphism in the promoter region of the FOXP3 gene, (GT)_(15) allele had a stronger enhancer activity of the gene than (GT)_(16) allele and associates with type 1 diabetes.