Researchers Discover 12 New Disease Genes

British scientist conducted the largest ever gene study. It resulted in the discovery of 24 genetic risk factors, half of them completely new. This research will help researchers understand more about the fundamental biology of major illnesses. This may lead to more effective drugs for treatment.

Not too long ago researchers discovered a large batch of breast cancer genes and a gene that contributes to obesity. Peter Donnelly of the University of Oxford told reporters," What will happen over the next couple of years, as these sorts of studies are extended, is that our understanding of the genetics of common diseases will change enormously." It has been known for years by scientist that genes are environmental factors play a large role in disease risk.

The difficult part is trying to work out which parts of the 3 billion sub-units of DNA in human cells are actually responsible. To do a more thorough research scientist from 50 research groups evaluated 500,000 genetic markers from 17,000 people. This was compared to the DNA of healthy and diseased individuals.

Researchers have been able to identify more about the genes that play a role in the development of:

• Crohn's disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Bipolar disorder
• Coronary heart disease
• Hypertension

With the identification of genes underlying their condition, it will help researchers understand better how disease occurs. It will also help detect which people are more at risk. Personalized treatments can possibly be made due to this research.

One of the most significant findings are four chromosomes containing genes that can predispose a person to Type 1 diabetes and three new genes for Crohn's disease. Researchers for the first time have found a gene linking two autoimmune diseases known as PTPN2. "It is a promising news for us to understand how the two diseases occur." One researcher reported.

Researchers are continuing to work searching for genetic factors behind tuberculosis, breast cancer, autoimmune thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis and ankylosing spondylitis which is a form of arthritis also known as Bechterew's disease.

The findings do make it highly possible for treatments targeted toward the individual disease and the individual. In the case of Crohn's disease, they uncovered the importance of a process known as autophagy, or "self eating," which cells use to clear unwanted material, such as bacteria.