New Gene Associated With Crohn’s Disease Found…

Not very long ago I blogged about a report that scientists had found a gene that seemed connected to Crohn’s Disease, you can see that here…

That gene was the interleukin-23 (IL-23) receptor. However, according to a release from BioResearchOnline.com, it seems that another gene may have been found that seems directly lined to Crohn’s Disease…

As part of the genotyping study, the team conducted a genome-wide association scan of approximately 20,000 “coding” genetic variants that are thought to produce functional changes at the protein level.

Among their findings, the researchers identified a protein-coding genetic variation (a single nucleotide polymorphism, or ‘SNP’) in the autophagy-related 16-like (ATG16L1) gene. Neither the ATG16L1 gene, nor this specific genetic variation, has been previously implicated in Crohn’s disease. The ATGI6LI gene is part of the autophagosome biological pathway, which normal cells use to destroy harmful bacteria.

This variation seems to be contributing to the theory that it’s something in the immune system that is causing Crohn’s Disease. This particular genetric variation would support the thought that there is a genetic weakened and Abnormal Immune Response to Intestinal Bacteria in Crohn’s Disease.

Undoubtly, this could play a major role in further treatment research, leading to drugs that treat the CAUSE and not just the symptoms.

Fellow Crohnees, I don’t know about you, but “I’m” starting to get very excited about all this late research and findings - this all means much better medications for us!

31 January 2007 | Crohn's Research | Comments