Researchers from UC San Francisco, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and Yale School of Medicine recently developed a software tool that helps researchers understand the complex genetic origins of many autoimmune diseases and, ultimately, to better diagnose and treat them. The study was published yesterday in Nature.
One in every twelve Americans are affected with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. What happens in these kinds of diseases is that the immune system begins to attack the body’s own cells and tissues. This new study connects insights into genetics with the origins of these diseases — a connection that the tool’s creators believe will serve as a key asset for diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases like MS.
The researchers developed a mathematical tool to more intensively probe existing DNA databases, which in turn has allowed them to discover that certain DNA variations contribute to the development of diseases and, if inherited, can signify a higher predisposition for becoming sick.
Through their method, the researchers analyzed data from previous studies regarding 21 autoimmune diseases, and thoroughly examined their scientific fundamentals. From this analysis, they found specific immune cells that are actually responsible for the diseases.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Keep CURRENT and up to date,
with MS Views and News – OPT-IN here
.
.
.
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews