In mice, loss of Hnf1a function results in multiple metabolic abnormalities including defects in pancreatic β-cell glucose sensing, hypercholesterolemia and aberrant expression of genes involved in pancreatic islet development and metabolism3, further illustrating the important role of HNF-1A in controlling pancreatic-islet β-cell function4. This evidence concerns the gene HNF1A and familial hypercholesterolemia.