Itchy skin? Eczema likely has a genetic component

atopic dermatitis shutterstock e

The itchy, red and cracked skin typical of atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema, is an inflammatory condition which affects up to one in five children, many of whom continue to suffer into adulthood.

Olaf Rotzschke and his team at the A*STAR Singapore Immunology Network have uncovered a common genetic mutation which increases the risk of atopic dermatitis. As part of a large study aimed at identifying drug targets for allergies and other immune conditions, Rotzschke’s team collected blood samples and clinical data from 600 Singaporean residents.

[T]he researchers discovered that the activity of the gene VSTM1, which encodes a protein called SIRL-1, was heavily dependent on a specific SNP. This mutation, analysis revealed, lowered SIRL-1 levels on a subset of immune cells called monocytes and increased the risk of atopic dermatitis by 30 percent.

SIRL-1 is a molecule found on the surface of monocytes, and other immune cells, and functions to regulate the defense against invading pathogens. It is not currently known which molecule, or ligand, naturally docks to SIRL-1 inside the human body, but identifying such a molecule could result in new intervention strategies for eczema.

[Editor’s note: Read full study (behind paywall)]

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Researchers find common mutation in the genetics behind eczema

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