Telomeres play an important role in maintaining genomic integrity for chromosomes by capping and securing their ends. When they become too short, the body responds by signaling apoptosis (cell death) or senescence (cellular aging). If the cell ignores these signals, telomere dysfunction occurs. Research studies has shown that telomere dysfunction are strongly correlated with diseases such as type 2 diabetes. In this study, the risk of developing type two diabetes will be investigated by looking at the telomere lengths of cells, which is believed to be related to the development of type 2 diabetes.
The two groups that will be measured are families with history of type two diabetes versus families with no history of the disease. This will be measured by amplifying telomere sequences using PCR, running the samples on an electrophoresis gel, and using an A1C test to measure blood glucose control. It is hypothesized that the results of this study will prove that individuals with history of type 2 diabetes will have shorter telomere lengths and higher blood glucose control compared to those of individuals with no history of the disease.
- Type: Enviroment
- Project Members: Alejandra Carreto
- Date: Summer 2013
