Cure for asthma on horizon as scientists find genetic cause
Published 26 Jul 2016
A cure for asthma is on the horizon after scientists discovered a genetic switch which prevents the condition.
The research carried out at the University of Southampton, discovered that the gene ADAM33 plays a crucial role in causing the twitchiness and inflammation of airways that triggers an attack.
The gene makes an enzyme which usually attaches to the muscles in the airways helping to repair and regenerate damaged areas.
But the enzyme can become detached and 'go rogue' travelling around the lung and sparking the unnecessary production of new muscles and blood vessels which cause the airways to narrow – a process known as airway remodelling.
Scientists traditionally through that it was allergens – like pollen - that triggered airway remodelling, inflammation and eventually asthma attacks. But they could never explain why lots of people with allergies never get asthma.
Now scientists believe that it takes the combination of the rogue gene and an allergen to trigger an attack.
Studies in human tissue samples and mice showed that if the gene is switched off allergens do not have the same impact on the airways.
Prof Hans Michel Haitchi, associate professor in respiratory medicine, said: “This finding radically alters our understanding of the field, to say the least.
“For years we have thought that airway remodelling is the result of the inflammation caused by an allergic reaction, but our research tells us otherwise.”
Around 5.4 million people in Briton suffer from asthma, but the new study suggests that drug to knock out the effects of the ADAM33 gene could prevent attacks.
The team at Southampton has already identified molecules which can switch off both gene itself, and the enzymes.
They are planning to test the new medication in mice and are already in talks with pharmaceutical companies to bring the treatment to market. Charity Asthma UK has also agreed to help fund the next stage describing the breakthrough as 'promising.'
Studies in human tissue samples and mice showed that if the gene is switched off allergens do not have the same impact on the airways.
Prof Hans Michel Haitchi, associate professor in respiratory medicine, said: “This finding radically alters our understanding of the field, to say the least.
“For years we have thought that airway remodelling is the result of the inflammation caused by an allergic reaction, but our research tells us otherwise.”
Around 5.4 million people in Briton suffer from asthma, but the new study suggests that drug to knock out the effects of the ADAM33 gene could prevent attacks.
The team at Southampton has already identified molecules which can switch off both gene itself, and the enzymes.
They are planning to test the new medication in mice and are already in talks with pharmaceutical companies to bring the treatment to market. Charity Asthma UK has also agreed to help fund the next stage describing the breakthrough as 'promising.'
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