Genetic analysis of the KLF11 gene revealed two rare variants (Ala347Ser and Thr220Met) that segregate with diabetes in families with early-onset type 2 diabetes, and significantly impair its transcriptional activity.
We conclude that the KLF11A347S and T220M mutations do not contribute to increased risk of diabetes in European-derived populations and that the Q62R polymorphism has, at best, a minor effect on diabetes risk.
Nevertheless, the data of this study, gathered at the whole-organism level, further support a role for KLF11 in metabolic processes like insulin sensitivity, which regulation is critical in several forms of diabetes.
Missense mutations in human Krüppel-like factor 11 (KLF11) lead to the development of diabetes, as a result of impaired insulin synthesis in the pancreas.