G/T Substitution in Intron 1 of the <i>UNC13B</i> Gene Is Associated With Increased Risk of Nephropathy in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

We identified a polymorphism in the UNC13B gene associated with nephropathy. UNC13B mediates apopotosis in glomerular cells in the presence of hyperglycemia, an event occurring early in the development of nephropathy. We propose that this polymorphism could be a marker for the initiation of nephropathy. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of UNC13B in nephropathy.