Eliminating previous thought, that a set group of regulator genes controlled cell growth, recent findings by the University of Edinburgh have discovered that instead, hundreds of regulator genes interact with each other to control immune cell development and growth. The three year study undertaken by the Roslin Institute, had a key focus on the genes involved in the immune system, therefore all findings were relevant to immune system diseases. Scientists looked specifically at the white blood cell, macrophages, which although being beneficial to the body when healthy, can be quite harmful when damaged, leading to the development of immune diseases.
(Image, right; Division of a cancer cell)
The discovery of the complex gene interaction has led scientists closer to determining how cells grow and develop, which in the future will enable researchers to understand how cell development and growth goes wrong. Researchers believe they have the ability to identify weak spots in the complex gene network, which are responsible for damaged cell development and growth. By identifying these weak spots, scientists predict they will find answers on how to stop damage cell development and how to encourage the growth of healthy cells. This could lead to developments with reducing or preventing diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.
These findings have also given scientists further insight into why people develop diseases and react to treatments differently.
Sources
McLaughlin, Martin 2009. Genetic hope for MS and cancer patients,
Retrieved April 20th 2009, from:
http://news.scotsman.com/health/Genetic--hope-for-MS.5184449.jp
University of Edinburgh, 2009. Genetic study offers vital clues on immune responses,
Retrieved April 20th 2009, from:
http://info.cam.ed.ac.uk/pressreleases/FMPro?-DB=MC_PressReleases&-Format=release.htm&-Op=Equals&Release_Number=1681&-Find=Find
Image (division of a cancer cell)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8007023.stm
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