Bob
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Gene Mutation Study Sheds Light on Autoimmune Disease Development
Nov 19, 2014
http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-...t-on-autoimmune-disease-development/81250616/
Read more:
http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-...t-on-autoimmune-disease-development/81250616/
Press Release (same info):
http://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2014/immunedisease-171114
Nov 19, 2014
http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-...t-on-autoimmune-disease-development/81250616/
Researchers say they have discovered how a gene mutation can lead to diseases that occur when the immune system attacks the body by mistake. Understanding how these mechanisms work could help scientists to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and neurodegenerative conditions, including Motor Neurone Disease, according to the researchers, who published their study (“The RNA-Editing Enzyme ADAR1 Controls Innate Immune Responses to RNA”) in Cell Reports.
The team found that a mutation in the ADAR1 gene causes a defect in an alarm system in cells that normally protects the body from viruses and other infections. This means that the alarm system is tripped by the cell's own molecules, causing the immune system to attack. Some viruses encode their genetic material using RNA, which is also produced by our own cells when the genes encoded in our DNA are translated into proteins.
Mutations in the ADAR1 gene have been linked to a rare autoimmune disease called Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome. The disease affects the brain and skin and most people who are affected have significant intellectual and physical problems. The syndrome usually takes hold in early childhood and is so rare that it is not known how many people are affected. However the disease shows significant resemblances to the much more common and less severe Lupus.
Read more:
http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-...t-on-autoimmune-disease-development/81250616/
Press Release (same info):
http://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2014/immunedisease-171114