A genetic defect involving an immune system protein appears to be linked to three autoimmune diseases: psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, according to new research published in the journal Nature Genetics.

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Diseases all genetically linked
Psoriasis, characterised by itchy, scaly skin patches, affects two percent of Americans, The New York Times reports. Rheumatoid arthritis, a painful joint condition, affects up to one percent; and systemic lupus, which causes severe joint inflammation, affects a much smaller one-twentieth of one percent of Americans, the newspaper says.

The genetic link to all three diseases appears to be a protein that helps the body regulate immune system cells. Autoimmune conditions occur when these cells begin attacking the body itself, rather than the germs they are designed to thwart.

Runx-1 protein binding problems
In all three cases, there seems to be a problem with the Runx-1 protein binding properly to certain chromosomes and controlling the activity of nearby genes. But the researchers who report the results say the Runx-1 binding problem seems to be a contributor to each of the diseases, not the only cause, the Times reports.

The newspaper says while the findings have no immediate application, they may ultimately help scientists devise new treatments. – (HealthDayNews)

Read more:
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