Lupus gene identified
Scientists require more DNA samples to discover a cure for Lupus.
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Monday, 03, Dec 2007 12:56
Researchers have called for Lupus sufferers to donate DNA samples after a key gene involved in the disease was discovered.
Around 50,000 people in the UK are affected by the autoimmune disease which can cause skin rash, joint pains and inflammation of internal organs and can be triggered by viral infections, stress, trauma and sunlight.
But as Professor Tim Vyse from Imperial College London confirms: "Lupus's many symptoms make it difficult to work out which are key to the disease," which he says can enable the condition to go undiagnosed.
However the discovery of a new genetic variant, OX40L, which raises the risk of developing Lupus - or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - has increased the possibility of exploring the underlying causes of the disease and finding a cure.
Professor Vyse and fellow Wellcome Trust researchers in the US and Canada have found that variants in the OX40L gene enhance the risk of SLE by increasing the amount of OX40L on lymphocytes, an integral cog in the immune system.
"Identifying a specific gene will enable us to see at a molecular level what is behind SLE and develop treatments targeted at inhibiting or blocking the action of those genes," he explained, adding a call for more DNA samples from volunteers.
"Despite the disease being relatively common, DNA samples are in short supply", he said. "I would encourage patients to discuss with their GP or consultant about providing a blood sample to help further our understanding."