New genetic variants for lung health discovered
26 Oct 2011 by Evoluted New Media
Sixteen new sections of the genetic code that relate to lung health have been discovered by an international team of researchers, which raises the possibility of better prevention and treatment for lung diseases.
This is the first time that these 16 common genetic variants have been definitely lines with lung function, and the newly discovered pathways could be targeted by drugs. The study – published in Nature Genetics – also sheds light on the molecular basis for COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The study – led by Professor Martin Tobin, professor of genetic epidimeology and public health at the University of Leicester – involved the genetic study of 2.5 million genetic variants in 48,201 people from across the world. A smaller number of the most promising variants were studied in a further 46,411 individuals.
“For the first time we understand what so many of these genetic variants are, including the underlying mechanisms they point to,” said Tobin. “We now need to prioritise research to better understand these disease mechanisms and inform improved patient care.”
Tobin said these discoveries could provide the key to new therapies for lung diseases such as COPD, a progressive disease that makes it hard for people to breathe.
“Smoking is the most important risk for developing COPD,” he said. “Smokers are not all equally likely to develop COPD and differences in susceptibility occur due to the genetic variants people carry.”
This new discovery could be of use in developing a screening test to predict the development of COPD – although Tobin advises that stopping smoking is the best way to prevent it.
“This work is important because until recently we have not understood the factors which underlie inherited variability in lung function,” said Professor Ian Hall who led the study at the University of Nottingham.
“We now need to take the knowledge gained from this study to do two things; firstly to learn more about the function of genes which contribute to the risk of developing lung diseases, and secondly to try and develop strategies to use genetic information to improve the clinical care provided to individual patients.”
