Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of testing for genetic susceptibility to type-2 diabetes in a subject that comprises detecting one or more polymorphisms present in the KCNQ1 gene and/or EIF2AK4 gene in a DNA-containing sample collected from the subject. The present invention permit a method of accurately, conveniently, and rapidly testing the genetic susceptibility of subjects to type-2 by targeting determinative genetic factors of genetic susceptibility to type-2 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diabetes. More particularly, it concerns the identification of genes responsible for NIDDM1 for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The present invention demonstrates that the NIDDM1 locus is, in fact, the calpain 10 gene. The invention further relates to the discovery that analysis of mutations in calpain genes and gene products can be diagnostic for type 2 diabetes. The invention also contemplates methods of treating diabetes in view of the fact that calpain mutations can cause diabetes. Further, the invention relates to novel polynucleotides of the NIDDM1 locus and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields diabetes. More particularly, it concerns the identification of genes responsible for NIDDM for use in diagnostics and therapeutics. The present invention demonstrates that the MODY3 locus is, in fact, the HNF1&agr; gene, MODY4 locus is the HNF1&bgr; and the MODY1 locus is the HNF4&agr; gene. The invention further relates to the discovery that analysis of mutations in the HNF1&agr;, HNF1&bgr; and HNF4&agr; genes can be diagnostic for diabetes. The invention also contemplates methods of treating diabetes in view of the fact that HNF1&agr;, HNF1&bgr; and HNF4&agr; mutations can cause diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diabetes. More particularly, it concerns the identification of genes responsible for NIDDM1 for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The present invention demonstrates that the NIDDM1 locus is, in fact, the calpain 10 gene. The invention further relates to the discovery that analysis of mutations in calpain genes and gene products can be diagnostic for type 2 diabetes. The invention also contemplates methods of treating diabetes in view of the fact that calpain mutations can cause diabetes. Further, the invention relates to novel polynucleotides of the NIDDM1 locus and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diabetes. More particularly, it concerns the identification of genes responsible for NIDDM1 for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The present invention demonstrates that the NIDDM1 locus is, in fact, the calpain 10 gene. The invention further relates to the discovery that analysis of mutations in calpain genes and gene products can be diagnostic for type 2 diabetes. The invention also contemplates methods of treating diabetes in view of the fact that calpain mutations can cause diabetes. Further, the invention relates to novel polynucleotides of the NIDDM1 locus and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields diabetes. More particularly, it concerns the identification of genes responsible for NIDDM for use in diagnostics and therapeutics. The present invention demonstrates that the MODY3 locus is, in fact, the HNF1&agr; gene, MODY4 locus is the HNF1&bgr; and the MODY1 locus is the HNF4&agr; gene. The invention further relates to the discovery that analysis of mutations in the HNF1&agr;, HNF1&bgr; and HNF4&agr; genes can be diagnostic for diabetes. The invention also contemplates methods of treating diabetes in view of the fact that HNF1&agr;, HNF1&bgr; and HNF4&agr; mutations can cause diabetes.

Abstract: A process for producing a fine powder of high-purity silk fibroin in nonfibrous and particulate form is disclosed. The process comprises dissolving a degummed silk material in at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of an aqueous cupri-ethylenediamine solution, an aqueous ammoniacal solution of cupric hydroxide, an aqueous alkaline solution of cupric hydroxide and glycerol, an aqueous lithium bromide solution, an aqueous solution of the chloride, nitrate or thiocyanate of calcium, magnesium or zinc, and an aqueous sodium thiocyanate solution; adding a coagulating salt to the resulting aqueous silk fibroin solution having a silk fibroin concentration of from 3 to 20% by weight to coagulate and precipitate the silk fibroin; dehydrating and drying the gel so formed; and then pulverizing the resulting powder.

Abstract: Finely powdered high-purity fibroin and a process for producing the same are disclosed. The fibroin is a fine powder of fibroin in nonfibrous and particulate form which has an average molecular weight of not less than 50,000, particle diameters of from 1 to 100.mu., and a bulk density of from 0.1 to 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 as measured in the dry state and which contains at least 50% by weight of hot-water-insoluble fibroin having the .beta.-configuration. The process comprises dissolving a degummed silk material in an aqueous salt solution containing from 5 to 80% by weight of an alkali metal salt or alkaline earth metal salt; dialyzing the resulting aqueous fibroin solution; adding from 1 to 150 parts by weight of an alcohol to 100 parts by weight of the dialyzed aqueous fibroin solution having a fibroin concentration of from 3 to 20% by weight to form a gel of fibroin; dehydrating and drying the gel so formed; and then pulverizing the resulting powder.