A new study undertaken by a group of international scientists has found a gene that modifies the severity of lung disease, leading a path to a treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a condition that affects 70 000 people worldwide and currently there is no known cure. It is hereditary and is believed to be caused by a defect in a gene, which covers the organs with a thick layer of mucus, clogging and often resulting in lung infections.
The recent study discovered the “small genetic differences in the IFRD1 (interferon related developmental regulator 1) gene correlate with the severity of lung disease”, as well as a protein, encoded by IFRD1, found in the neutrophils, which controls the IFRD1’s functions. Due to this great advancement in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, it is hopeful that people would be able to live many years longer than the current median age of 37, to possibly 50.
They also found that IFRD1’s regulation of neutrophils depends on enzymes called histone deacetylases, an interaction which would need to be looked into further, said by scientists, to help treat the disease.
According to the various scientists undertaking the research, this study was “key in strengthening cooperation amongst researchers and raising awareness about cystic fibrosis” and although it is not a cure, it is a welcome advancement in improving the lives of many people.
To learn more about cystic fibrosis:
http://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/
Reference:
European Commission, 2009. ‘Gene modifies severity of cystic fibrosis lung disease’, European Research, < http://ec.europa.eu/research/headlines/news/article_09_03_25_en.html>, 25 March 2009, Accessed 25 March 2009.
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