In the summer iof 2004, research funded by JDRF revealed that a mutation of the SUMO-4 gene is a strong factor in the development of type 1 diabetes and the potential associated complications, such as kidney failure.

The gene called SUMO-4 is responsible for signaling the proteins that regulate the intensity and duration of the immune response. When the gene is mutated, it has an increased response to the stimulants of the immune system, that cause it to overreact. This overreaction results in a person's inability to distinguish between self and foreign cells, thus causing type 1 diabetes. The mutated SUMO-4 gene may exacerbate the inflammatory process, influencing the complications of diabetes.

The most influential genes in the development of type 1 diabetes are found in the HLA or human leukocyte antigen region. These genes help regulate the immune system by guiding it to differentiate between self and non-self. Variants of the DR and DQ genes in the HLA region are found in 95% of type 1 diabetics. Another gene that increases the chances of developing type 1 diabetes has been found in the region immediately preceding the insulin gene. This region contains a VNTR or variable number of tandem repeats. This refers to specific chemical bases that make up DNA. Inheritance of certain VNTR's increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Again I reiterate this research was unveiled in 2004. SUMO-4 was identified as a prime target to control the inflammatory process leading to the destruction of islets. As I search Google for, "sumo4, drugs, JDRF" I am terribly disappointed to see that my yearning for answers remains unrequited. Did SUMO-4 fall too hard too fast?

Ian Gibson, a former chairman of the Commons Science and Technology Committee, has apologized if he offended anyone with the comments he made earlier suggesting that the cause in increased childhood diabetes cases diagnosed in his Norfolk constituency could be the result of residents inbreeding.

"I would imagine it is linked to the fact that people in Norfolk are quite inbred, with many not leaving the county," Dr. Gibson, Labour MP for Norwich North, told his local newspaper, the Norwich Evening News. "It is something that needs to be looked at as a priority, especially as many cases are linked to obesity too."

Diabetes experts have come forward to call his suggestion disgraceful, inappropriate and wrong. Genetics do not work that way and to even suggest that diabetes is linked to inbreeding is an insult to people with type 1 diabetes and their families and it's an insult to people in Norfolk. That's an understatement.

I don't think Dr. Gibson can use being drunk as an excuse for his outrageous remarks, and he clearly isn't apologizing for what he said -- only to anyone that might be offended by the comments. That could be six billion people minus one.