MafA, Pax6 and Sox4 are all critical transcription factors controlling insulin production and secretion in pancreatic β-cells.43–45 Missense mutations of MAFA gene were found in familial hypoglycemia or diabetes.46 The association between ANGPTL4 variants and type 2 diabetes and the underlying mechanism, and the association between MTMR9 and obesity were reported.47,48 In addition, ORM1, which encodes the key acute phase plasma protein orosomucoid 1, was markedly associated with FBG (P = 2.52 × 10−14). Here, SOX4 is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.