More Mutations Of Gene That Cause Skin Disorders And Asthma Discovered

Scientists have zeroed in on 15 more mutations of the gene responsible for the debilitating disorders eczema and asthma, in children.

The study claims to make treatment more specific for ethnic groups as well as pinpoint various forms of the gene?s effects by genetic tests.

Says Irwin McLean at the College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing at the University of Dundee, who led the study:? Once we cracked this exceptionally difficult gene, we were surprised to learn how many different defects in filaggrin were waiting to be discovered, not only in European people, but other populations worldwide."

Last year the team had discovered that the mutated gene, which is carried by five million people in Britain, produced a protein called filaggrin, which brings about inflamed skin.

At present the latest research has shown five of these mutations are prevalent in European patients with 9 percent of the population believed to carry the defect. It was seen that two of these mutations were prevalent in those tested from Oriental backgrounds.

Eczema is known to affect around one in five UK children. Knowing which mutations to look for could allow doctors to identify individuals at risk of the disease early on. It might also allow scientists to develop treatments.

Until filaggrin's role was identified, researchers had mostly assumed that problems with the immune system were responsible for the condition. At present, research is focusing on drugs that can boost production of the filaggrin protein in skin.

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