Scientists Find Major Susceptibility Gene For Crohn's Disease

[darkwng]

[Only registered users see links. ]

Researchers report the discovery of a new genetic link to Crohn's disease. Mutations of a gene, which codes for a receptor in a major inflammatory pathway, are strongly associated with Crohn's, they found. Surprisingly, one type of mutation appears to confer significant protection, prioritizing a crucial target for drugs that might better manage Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. More than 1 million Americans have Crohn's or colitis, known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease.