MEOX2 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The top differentially expressed genes affected by starvation comprised Ppef1, which encodes for the protein product suggested to play a role in sensory neuron function and development; Dpp4, encoding a protease enzyme involved in the cleavage of a broad range of vasoactive peptides, which is also an established drug target for type 2 diabetes (Dicker, 2011); Meox2 gene, known to regulate angiogenesis and myogenesis; and Pycr1 and Dnah8, involved in the ATP-related processes.