Genes may play part as disease hits Ma¯ori

A genetics researcher has set out to understand why Ma¯ ori are twice as likely as any other group to suffer a combination of factors linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Metabolic disease tends to affects Ma¯ ori at a younger age, leading to greater disability and lower life expectancy.

Studies have pinpointed some of the risk factors involved — hypertension, obesity and low levels of the socalled “good” cholesterol, HDL — but Dr Megan Leask suspected genes might also be at play.

“It can’t just be environmental factors — research in multiple ethnic groups has shown there are almost always genetic components that contribute to risk,” said Leask, of the University of Otago’s Department of Biochemistry.

“Some of these factors are specific to ethnic groups — that’s why we are looking for genetic variants that are unique to Ma¯ ori and Pacific peoples.”

Unique genetic variants that increased risk for gout, obesity and type 2 diabetes had already been identified but Leask saw a need to find more.

Her new study, recently awarded a Health Research Council fellowship worth $284,000, would hunt for clues amid DNA samples earlier collected from Ma¯ ori and Pacific people.

“Our approach is to filter through the whole genome sequence of Ma¯ ori and Pacific participants and take a more systematic approach to identify variants,” Leask said.

“We are generating data from DNA samples, which are taonga that have been entrusted to us.

“That is a pretty big deal.” What her study uncovered would be shared with the participants — and would hopefully also make a difference in healthcare.

Leask’s research interests had evolved from completing a PhD in honey-bee genetics, which led her into human genetics.

She said the new fellowship offered an opportunity to help tackle inequalities in health for Ma¯ ori.

“More young Ma¯ ori should be encouraged into biomedical and genetic research,” she said. “It is important to reflect Aoteoroa and the people in it.”

HRC chief executive Professor Kath McPherson said much of the world’s existing genomics knowledge was gained from studying European genotypes — and these didn’t necessarily translate to clinical applications for Ma¯ori.

“This research could make a very important difference to future treatment options that work for Ma¯ ori.”