T2D risk variant in MTNR1B linked to melatonin, sleep, and circadian traits.

What is it about?

The MTNR1B diabetes risk variant (rs10830963G) is associated with a later melatonin offset and a longer duration of elevated melatonin levels in highly controlled laboratory studies. This association is mediated by sleep timing, suggesting that MTNR1B variation may influence melatonin through changes in sleep timing or that MTNR1B variation may influence sleep timing through changes in melatonin. In the CARe study, no significant associations were found with available measures of sleep quality or quantity. Future research should emphasize the evaluation of the role of MTNR1B in peripheral tissues of relevance to T2D.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it identifies a common genetic variant in the MTNR1B gene that is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study found that the MTNR1B diabetes risk variant (rs10830963G) is associated with a later melatonin offset and a longer duration of elevated melatonin levels. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the increased T2D risk in rs10830963G carriers is more pronounced in early sleep timing and almost absent in late sleep timing. These findings suggest that MTNR1B rs10830963G extends the duration of melatonin production later into the morning, and waking up earlier in the morning magnifies the diabetes risk with MTNR1B genotype. Key Takeaways: 1. The MTNR1B diabetes risk variant (rs10830963G) is associated with a later melatonin offset and a longer duration of elevated melatonin levels. 2. The increased T2D risk in rs10830963G carriers is more pronounced in early sleep timing and almost absent in late sleep timing. 3. MTNR1B rs10830963G extends the duration of melatonin production later into the morning, and waking up earlier in the morning magnifies the diabetes risk with MTNR1B genotype.