April 2006

in this issue

Gene discovery provides new hope for eczema and asthma cure

A University of Dundee-led team of scientists have discovered the gene that causes dry, scaly skin and predisposes individuals to the condition atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema.

The researchers discovered that the condition caused by the faulty gene, which affects millions of people worldwide, can also lead to asthma and has provided new hope for the development of treatments for these conditions.

The international team involved experts in Dundee, Dublin, Glasgow, Seattle and Copenhagen and was published in two consecutive editions of the prestigious journal, Nature Genetics.

More than 600 Tayside children with asthma participated in the study by donating samples of their DNA and answering questionnaires.

Currently, the only treatment for dry, scaly skin (ichthyosis vulgaris) and eczema is the use of emollients and ointments that stop the skin from drying out and anti-inflammatory drugs that treat inflammation.

The researchers discovered that mutations in a particular gene, called FLG, results in a deficiency of a skin protein called filaggrin which plays a role in building and maintaining the protective outer layer of the skin that keeps water in and foreign organisms out. In more serious forms of the condition both copies of the FLG gene are knocked out.

As a result, the skin dries out too easily and becomes flaky. Foreign substances passing in through the skin trigger the immune system into action, resulting in inflammation.

In some people, this is turn appears to lead to asthma when the foreign substances enter the lungs at later date.

Lead researcher Professor Irwin McLean from the Human Genetics Unit, Ninewells Medical School, said, "Finding this major gene for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and asthma allows us for the first time to understand what goes wrong in the skin of these patients and paves the way for the development of new treatments or preventative measures in the coming years."

"Analyzing this very difficult gene was one of the toughest things we have ever done. Several top genetics labs around the world gave up on it. With a mixture of luck, skill and an incredibly intense team effort over the last few months, we succeeded in unlocking the secrets of the gene and discovered a major cause of human disease."

The Dundee team is now working on developing methods to treat and even prevent these diseases. They already have evidence for the presence of different FLG mutations in different ethnic populations and it seems that reduction or absence of filaggrin in the skin is likely to be a major cause of dry skin and eczema worldwide.

Professor McLean said Dr Frances Smith in his lab was particularly active in solving the complex problems of analyzing this gene. Dr Somnath Mukhopadhyay in Child Health and Dr Colin Palmer, Biomedical Research Centre, both at Ninewells, were instrumental in the eczema/asthma discovery.

Principal's Column
International postdoc poll rates Dundee among the best
University names new Chancellor
Queen's Anniversary Prize Awarded for pioneering research
HRH receives gift from University
Royal approval for Queen Mother Building
HRH explores virtual faces and 3D heads at forensic art unit
BMA names two Dundee medics as UK role models
New University structure outlined
Three Dundee Professors elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
Lecture theatre renamed in honour of D'Arcy Thompson
Architecture students display shelter-in-a-cart designs
Dundee hosts international homelessness conference
Wood a viable energy source in Scotland
One of every three adults is lonely: study
A Health Collaboration: the Social Dimensions of Health Institute
First year students put their artworks on show
Dundee Mooters celebrate a top year
Botanic Garden travels back in time
Dundee students do us proud in Melbourne Games
Digest
Timex: History of struggle Exhibition opens
Scotland Alive for international students
Schoolchildren dip into DNA
DJCAD alumni shine
Scottish Institutions join network of excellence
Events and Exhibitions
Court news
Research Grants
Dundee University debating union open competition
Modern Scot
Conference to reflect on creativity
Appointments
Dundee International Book Prize attracts worldwide interest
Books
Equality matters
Tackling gender equality in the workplace
Equal rights for disabled staff and students
Challenging behaviour resource launched on My Dundee
Childcare vouchers now available to staff
Nursing and Midwifery tackle racial equality
Charities Committee Fashion Show a great success
Dundee Civic Award for shop front security design
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Islamic and Western politics compared in first of its kind course
Love and War - The Trunk
From Dublin to Dundee, via Vienna
Inspiration & discovery: when art meets science