Scientists Identify New Gene Tied To Atopic Dermatitis

Scientists have identified a new genetic variant associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease.

Scientists have identified a new genetic variant associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that typically affects the large flexures such as the bend of the elbows or the back of the knees.

While analysing more than 9600 participants from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, the research team discovered a gene variant on chromosome 11.

Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, non-contagious, chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. It is also called eczema, dermatitis or atopy.

"Our findings cast new light on the pathogenesis of the disease," Nature magazine quoted Professor Young-Ae Lee, as saying.

The variant associated with increased risk of atopic dermatitis is located in a region containing the gene C11orf30 which encodes the protein EMSY and the researchers believe that mutation in this gene leads to the skin disease.

The same genetic variant has also been found common in patients with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Scientists therefore suspect that this variant on chromosome 11 will unravel a novel common disease mechanism that can lead to chronic inflammation of various organs.

The study appears in Nature Genetics.

Emerging Therapies Could Help Ease Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, the common, chronic, inflammatory skin disease marked by red, itchy rashes, has been increasing in prevalence over the past two decades...

Source-ANI
SRM

Study Finds Gene Responsible for Allergy
A gene responsible for allergic diseases has been found by scientists in Munich, Germany.