Researchers Identify New Genes Linked to Sjӧgren’s SyndromeYahoo Contributor Network
Vonda J. Sines 5 hours ago
An international team of scientists has identified new genes related to Sjӧgren's syndrome. Prior to the discovery, only one gene had been linked to the autoimmune disease.
The research coalition studied approximately 2,000 samples from Sjӧgren's patients and tested them against those from a control group made up of more than 7,000 healthy subjects, according to Medical News Today. The scientists, who were led by staff from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, published their findings in the journal Nature Genetics.
The illness strikes as many as 4 million Americans, the Sjӧgren's Syndrome Foundation reports. PubMed Health defines the disorder as an autoimmune condition in which tear- and saliva-producing glands are destroyed. The primary result is dry eyes and a dry mouth, though the disorder can affect other organs like the lungs and kidneys.
Experts define primary Sjӧgren's syndrome as an illness marked by dry eyes and a dry mouth, but without any other accompanying autoimmune disorder. In cases of secondary Sjӧgren's syndrome, however, other disorders of the immune system such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and systemic lupus erythematosus are also present.
Because of disagreement over clinical diagnosis criteria and a sparsity of samples, Sjӧgren's research had been limited until the international study. However, the researchers already knew of a link between the disorder and an HLA gene.
During the study they discovered additional genes linked to Sjӧgren's. They identified IRF5 and STAT4 as lead regulators that activate cells once the body mounts an immune response. The gene that acts as a traffic cop for lymphocytes is CXCR5. Scientists believe its function could explain why the body turns against moisture-producing glands.
TNIP1 and TNFAIP3 are binding partners. TNFAIP3 regulates the activity of the immune system.
The team found that IL12A is a subunit of a protein. This protein serves as a messenger between cells and also modulates responses of the immune system. The scientists found that BLK is a B-cell gene that could be responsible for increased number of antibodies in patients.
There is no specific treatment for Sjӧgren's syndrome. Healthcare providers concentrate on relieving specific symptoms. Artificial tears and ointments that lubricate the eye can be useful for dry eyes. Some patients chew sugarless gum to alleviate a dry mouth. Others take biologic drugs similar to those used for rheumatoid arthritis for relief of symptoms.
The researchers' ultimate goal -- admittedly sometime in the future -- is creating a path for scientists to design treatments that affect genes and put an end to Sjӧgren's syndrome. Their next step is learning how the genes they've identified change the immune system's normal functions.
http://news.yahoo.com/researchers-identify-genes-linked-sj-gren-syndrome-154700001.html
