GCKR
Glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) is a protein produced in the liver which regulates glucose metabolism, and is encoded for by the GCKR gene 1. GCKR specifically functions as a regulatory protein which blocks the enzyme glucokinase in liver and pancreatic islet cells, by binding with it and blocking its activity. Glucokinase functions to convert glucose into glucose-6-phosphate which can then be converted into glycogen for long-term storage. As such glucokinase becomes more active when blood glucose levels are high, and about one hour after insulin levels begin to rise. Conversely, when blood sugar levels are low glucokinase activity decreases, as does the production of new glucokinase enzymes2.
There is one SNP in the GCKR gene which results in altered glucokinase activity.
| rsID Number | Major Allele | Minor Allele | Minor Allele Frequency (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| rs780094 | c | a | 33 |
Risk Description
The SNP rs780094 in the GCKR gene is associated with an increased risk of type-2 diabetes and also alterations to the lipid profile depending on which allele is present. The ‘A’ allele is associated with elevated levels of circulating triglycerides whereas the ‘G’ allele is associated with an increased risk of type-2 diabetes, with alterations in insulin levels detected in the blood. In both instances, the mechanism behind the susceptibility is not well understood3-5.
Lifestyle Considerations:
| Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Low GI diet |
Due to the dual nature of rs780094 exact dietary advice is hard to provide, however in both instances moving away from high-GI foods to more complex low-GI equivalents would prove beneficial. |
Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.