Leiherer, AndreasAndreasLeihererMuendlein, AxelAxelMuendleinSaely, Christoph HChristoph HSaelyFraunberger, PeterPeterFraunbergerDrexel, HeinzHeinzDrexel2024-10-282024-10-282019-09-06https://boris-portal.unibe.ch/handle/20.500.12422/183422The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) polymorphism rs7903146 is known to be tightly associated with an elevated risk for type 2 diabetes, whereas the molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We evaluated the metabolic profile of a total of 394 patients' serum samples with respect to their rs7903146 genotype using targeted metabolomics in a discovery (n = 154) and a validation (n = 240) study. We have identified serotonin as the top metabolite being increased in carriers of the risk allele. Serotonin was significantly associated with the rs7903146 genotype after full adjustment including type 2 diabetes and further top ranked metabolites. Given the role of peripheral serotonin in metabolic homeostasis and type 2 diabetes, this finding provides a first hint that the well-known impact of the TCF7L2 polymorphism on type 2 diabetes risk may involve a serotonin-dependent pathway.en600 - Technology::610 - Medicine & healtharticle10.7892/boris.1352333149290810.1038/s41598-019-49347-y