TITLE:
A Case Study and Meta-Analysis of Type 2 Diabetes Research
AUTHORS:
Michael L. Gracia
KEYWORDS:
Type 2 Diabetes; T2D; Transcription Factor 7-Like 2; TCF7L2; TCF4; West Africa; East Asia; World Health
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Anthropology,
Vol.3 No.2,
May
16,
2013
ABSTRACT: In the last decade, a new wave of inspired
research surrounding a transcription factor’s role in blood-sugar homeostasis
has emerged. Transcription Factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2 or TCF4), a member of the
Wnt signaling pathway, is
intimately involved in suppressing glucagon synthesis. It also may affect
β-cell function. Regiospecific trends concerning the selection of its molecular
variants, their dependency on environmental and behavioral changes, and their relative associations with type
2 diabetes (T2D) have become well documented. This dynamic and nuanced
understanding of one T2D risk factor should be desired in all other phases of
study. An open and incorporative mindset such as this can revitalize the research
field.