New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Gene mutation linked to lymphatic dysfunction discovered

Date:
May 27, 2010
Source:
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Summary:
A genetic mutation for inherited lymphedema associated with lymphatic function has been discovered that could help create new treatments for the condition, say researchers.
Share:
FULL STORY

A genetic mutation for inherited lymphedema associated with lymphatic function has been discovered that could help create new treatments for the condition, say researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Their findings are reported in the June issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.

Lymphedema, the swelling of body tissues caused by an accumulation of fluid in a blocked or damaged lymphatic system, affects more than 120 million people worldwide. The most common treatments are a combination of massage, compression garments or bandaging.

"Lymphedema was first described hundreds of years ago, and yet it remains a very poorly understood disease," said David N. Finegold, M.D., co-principal investigator of the study and professor of human genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. "Unfortunately, there is no drug available to cure or even treat it. Most people with inherited lymphedema suffer their entire lives with treatments that address symptom relief only."

The study is based on the University of Pittsburgh Lymphedema Family Study, which began collecting data from affected families in 1995 to learn more about the risk factors and causes of inherited, or primary, lymphedema.

Previous research has helped identify six genes linked to the development of lymphedema, but until now researchers had no insight into the genetic factors responsible for lymphatic vascular abnormalities.

In their study, Dr. Finegold and colleagues sequenced three genes expressed in families with primary lymphedema. Mutations in one of these genes, GJC2, was found in primary lymphedema families and are likely to impair the ability of cells to push fluid throughout the lymphatic system by interrupting their signaling. Without proper signaling, cell contraction necessary for the movement of fluid did not occur, leading to its accumulation in soft body tissues.

"These results are significant because they give us insight into the cell mechanics that may underlie this condition," said Dr. Finegold. "With further research, we may be able to target this gene with drugs and improve its function."

Study co-authors include Robert E. Ferrell, Ph.D., Catherine J. Baty, D.V.M., Ph.D., Mark A. Kimak, M.S., Jenny M. Karlsson, M.S., Elizabeth C. Lawrence, B.S., Marlise Franke-Snyder, M.S., Stephen D. Meriney, Ph.D., and Eleanor Feingold, Ph.D., all of the University of Pittsburgh. The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health.


Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Robert E. Ferrell , Catherine J. Baty , Mark A. Kimak , Jenny M. Karlsson , Elizabeth C. Lawrence , Marlise Franke-Snyder , Stephen D. Meriney , Eleanor Feingold and David N. Finegold. GJC2 Missense Mutations Cause Human Lymphedema. American Journal of Human Genetics, June 2010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2010.04.010

Cite This Page:

University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences. "Gene mutation linked to lymphatic dysfunction discovered." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 May 2010. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527122152.htm>.
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences. (2010, May 27). Gene mutation linked to lymphatic dysfunction discovered. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 29, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527122152.htm
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences. "Gene mutation linked to lymphatic dysfunction discovered." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527122152.htm (accessed March 29, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES