We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Genes Discovered Influence Risk of Developing Leprosy

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 25 Mar 2015
Print article
Image: Histopathology of tuberculoid leprosy in a skin section (Photo courtesy Dr. D.S. Ridley, Wellcome Images).
Image: Histopathology of tuberculoid leprosy in a skin section (Photo courtesy Dr. D.S. Ridley, Wellcome Images).
Leprosy, a chronic dermatological and neurological disease, is caused by infection with Mycobacterium leprae, and its manifestation, progression and prognosis are strongly associated with the proficiency of the patient's immune system.

The ability to predict the risk of contracting leprosy can help guide decisions made by public healthcare policymakers when drafting preventative measures for high-risk medical staff working in close contact with leprosy patients.

Scientists at the Genome Institute of Singapore (A*STAR, Singapore) conducted a three-stage genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of leprosy in the Chinese population. The genome-wide discovery analysis (stage 1) involved two independent data sets: a previously published GWAS data set of 706 leprosy cases, 1,225 healthy controls and 4,362 individuals with immune-related diseases as population controls from northern China of Chinese Han descent and a new unpublished data set of 842 leprosy cases and 925 controls from northern and southern China.

The second independent study was genotyped using Human 660K-Quad BeadChips (Illumina; San Diego, CA, USA). The scientists discovered six new susceptibility loci, and further gene prioritization analysis of these loci implicated Basic Leucine Zipper Transcription Factor, ATF-Like 3 (BATF3), Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 88B (CCDC88B) and Class II, major histocompatibility complex, transactivator-Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (CIITA-SOCS1) as new susceptibility genes for leprosy. They found the same genes linked to leprosy susceptibility also affect the level of aggression expressed by the immune system observed in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. A person with an overly-aggressive immune system may have a good defense against infection, but stands a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases where one's own white blood cells attack healthy cells that can lead to death in severe cases.

Jianjun Liu, PhD, a professor and lead author of the study, said, “Although commonly viewed as a medieval affliction, leprosy remains a major health problem in developing countries, claiming over 200,000 new patients worldwide annually with two to three million people permanently disabled. With the discovery of more gene variants that affect the risk of developing leprosy, we can develop better diagnostic, treatment and preventive strategies to one day eradicate leprosy permanently.” The study was published online on February 3, 2015, in the journal Nature Genetics.

Related Links:

Genome Institute of Singapore
Illumina


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Plasma Control
Plasma Control Level 1

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The medical office procedure detects the key biomarker in Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases (Photo courtesy of BIDMC)

Simple Skin Biopsy Test Detects Parkinson’s and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

Parkinson's disease and a group of related neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies impact millions globally. These conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.