NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — Researchers from Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) have made a groundbreaking discovery that may explain why some people are more likely to develop inflammatory diseases or severe reactions to bacterial infections.
The study, led by Dr Joanna Hildebrand and Dr Sarah Garnisch, identified a genetic variation found in 3% of the world‘s population that increases the risk of inflammation through a mechanism known as burst cell death.
Cell death is a natural process that occurs in our body every minute. It plays a critical role in protecting the body from disease by destroying unnecessary, damaged or dangerous cells and preventing the spread of viruses, bacteria and even cancer. There are different types of cell death, but necroptosis is particularly brutal—the cells essentially explode, triggering an alarm for other cells.
The gatekeeper of necroptosis is the MLKL gene. Normally, cellular brakes keep MLKL under control, but when the body requires a powerful response to cell death, these brakes are released. However, some individuals carry the weakly inhibited form of MLKL. Dr. Garnish and her collaborators were able to quantify this genetic variation at the population level for the first time.
The study found that this common genetic variation can combine with a person’s lifestyle, history of infections and broader genetic makeup to increase the risk of developing inflammatory diseases and severe reactions to infections. This phenomenon is known as polygenic risk – the joint influence of several genes on the development of a particular trait or condition.
Dr. Hildebrand explains that, as with type 2 diabetes, where multiple genes and environmental factors play a role, it is not easy to directly link MLKL gene variation to a specific disease. However, there is a possibility that this gene variant may interact with other genetic and environmental factors to influence the intensity of the inflammatory response.
The discovery of this genetic variant opens up new opportunities for research into the development and treatment of inflammatory diseases. Understanding the role of the MLKL gene and its interactions with other genes and environmental factors will allow scientists to develop targeted therapies to reduce the risk of developing diseases associated with inflammation.
Although 2-3% may not seem like a very large percentage, considering that the planet’s population includes millions of people who are carriers of this gene variant. Understanding how this genetic variant affects inflammation and disease risk will allow us to develop tailored approaches to prevent and treat these conditions.
This study highlights the complex nature of disease development and the importance of considering multiple genetic and environmental factors. This is an exciting step towards unraveling the mysteries of inflammation and opens up new possibilities for precision medicine.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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