A recent study conducted by the University of Bristol has uncovered three new genes associated with eczema. This study is the largest of its kind to date, researching genetic variants from a variety of subjects: roughly 10,000 cases and 40,000 controls from populations in North America, the UK, Europe and Australia.
According to the press release by the University late last December, only two gene variants were identified in previous European research. The three genes discovered in this study is a significant breakthrough that will help long-term diagnosis, treatment and management of eczema:
“Two of the variants discovered are close to genes (OVOL1 and ACTL9) associated with the skin-barrier function (how porous skin is), while the third is in a region of the genome containing genes important for the immune system (IL4-KIF3A). Thus, the findings underline the importance of both of these biological systems in the development of the condition.”
The press release indicates that one of the genes found have been associated with asthma:
“Lead senior author and dermatologist, Professor Stephan Weidinger from the University of Kiel, Germany, added: ‘Two disease genes that we found have never been associated with atopic dermatitis until now, while one has been implicated in asthma, reflecting the close relationship between the two diseases. Our findings will not immediately lead to genetic tests to predict who will develop eczema or to new ways of treatment, but they are an important step forward in this context.’”
I think it is impressive that a study like this was carried out on such a large scale, and I’m sure identifying certain “eczema genes” can be promising for finding new ways of treating eczema. However, I don’t believe that just identifying genes will be enough to predict who will develop eczema as this geneticist so eloquently writes:
“Our immune system is set up and controlled by lots and lots of genes. What this means is that more than one gene can cause atopic eczema (or asthma or hay fever). You have to get the right combination of genes to get eczema.
This is why it is so hard to predict whether eczema will be passed down or not. And why it seems to appear out of nowhere sometimes.”
And I completely agree – there are more factors to consider such as genetic combinations, environmental triggers, and the strength of an individual’s immune system irregardless of the genes.
Not to mention this study only addresses atopic dermatitis, so the question comes to mind: are there genes for other forms of eczema such as contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and nummular eczema?
Your thoughts?
If you haven’t already, you can read the press release in its entirety here.
Eczema in the News