Genetic Predisposition to Type II Diabetes in the Hispanic Population of Orange County in Relation to SNP rs1333051 on the CDKN2 Gene

Abstract

Thirty‐four million individuals cope with diabetes within the United States, 95 percent of which have Type II Diabetes (T2D). Hispanics are particularly affected by diabetes and being the largest minority in the U.S., it is a significant public health issue. Since there is a diverse genetic variation between different ethnicities, researchers study genes through single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) to determine an individual's risk of developing T2D. The SNP rs1333051 located on the CDKN2 gene correlates with T2D. Evidence shows a nucleotide change of A allele by T allele. The allele A is also reported to be associated with coronary heart disease in T2D patients. The project’s primary goal is to find the prevalence of SNP rs133051 in 24 controls and 23 diabetic patients in the Hispanic population of Orange County. DNA was extracted, taken from a buccal swab sample, and subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by gel electrophoresis to confirm PCR products. Enzymatic digestion was done using Bsrl to detect the alleles based on restriction fragment length patterns. The alleles A and T were identified in both groups. However, the allele T was predominant in the diabetic group. External factors possibly play a larger role than genetic factors. To know more about the association of the T allele, increasing the number of samples and applying statistical analysis is necessary. The overall knowledge in the identification of SNPs associated with T2D allows for preventative measures to be taken within the Hispanic population at risk for this disease.