Genetic abnormality may increase risk of blood disordersMarch 16, 2009Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) have shown for the first time that a tendency to develop some blood disorders may be inherited. Their research, published online today in Nature Genetics, identifies a common genetic sequence abnormality that enhances the likelihood of acquiring a mutation in a gene linked to certain blood diseases. The investigators carried out a genome-wide study to identify inherited DNA sequence changes that frequently occur in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, in which several types of blood cells are excessively produced in the bone marrow. They found that an inherited alteration in the gene for JAK2 - a protein with enzymatic activity that is linked to the abnormal production of blood cells - is more common in patients with these disorders. Importantly, patients who inherited this JAK2 alteration were predisposed to acquiring another JAK2 mutation on the same DNA strand. According to the research, these mutations do not arise randomly, but are specifically determined by the DNA sequence. More than half of patients afflicted with myeloproliferative neoplasms - which affect an estimated 140,000 people in the US - carry the JAK2 mutation and suffer from the overproduction of red blood cells, platelets, or fibrous connective tissue. According to the authors, understanding the underlying inherited sequence partly explains the predisposition for acquiring mutations in certain disease-specific genes and may help explain why some individuals are at higher risk in developing the disease. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center |
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| Related Blood Disorder Current Events and Blood Disorder News Articles Males May Experience Greater Physical Pain Due To Lower Levels Of A Key Protein, Endothelin Agonizing physical pain, known as vaso-occlusive pain, can afflict children who have sickle cell disease (SCD). Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Common blood disorder may not be linked to as many serious diseases A symptomless blood disorder, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, known as MGUS, is not linked to as many serious diseases as previously thought. Mother's immune system may block fetal treatments for blood diseases Pediatric researchers have resolved an apparent contradiction in the field of prenatal cell transplantation- a medical approach that holds future promise in correcting sickle cell disease and other serious congenital blood disorders. Anxiety and depression lower quality of life in majority of systemic lupus erythematosus patients 92.8% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suffer anxiety and depression which significantly affects both their physical and emotional quality of life (QoL). Screening to help prevent stroke in kids increases, but limited access a problem The number of children with a certain blood disorder undergoing an ultrasound to help prevent stroke is up significantly in the past 10 years since the publication of a major study showing its benefits. Lancet Study Supports New, Highly Effective Treatment for Blood Disorder Patients suffering from a blood disorder that prevents proper clotting have the option of a new medication that may dramatically improve their health. Cellular discovery may lead to targeted treatment for rare form of anemia University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers have identified the specific biological mechanisms believed to lead to a rare and incurable blood disease known as Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA). Scientists say with further investigation, their discoveries could result in drastic changes to current thinking about treatment for this disease and may lead to promising new drug therapies. Penn Researchers Unlock Molecular Origin of Blood Stem Cells A research team led by Nancy Speck, PhD, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, has identified the location and developmental timeline in which a majority of bone marrow stem cells form in the mouse embryo. Redesigned protein accelerates blood clotting Researchers have made several, subtle changes in the structure of a key protein, dramatically increasing its ability to drive blood clotting, according to a study published in a December edition of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Anti-clotting drug thins risk to pregnancy and surgery patients with blood disorder Pregnancy and surgery patients with a serious blood disorder that causes excessive clotting have responded well to treatment with a man-made anti-clotting protein. Results from a study by researchers at Yale School of Medicine and other institutions were presented December 6 at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in San Francisco. More Blood Disorder Current Events and Blood Disorder News Articles |
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