When Our Protective Armor Shows Weakness: Genetic Defect In Skin Cells Leads To Neurodermatitis, Hay Fever And Asthma Aug 5, 2008
In 2006 filaggrin mutations could be identified as cause of the so-called fish scale disease or ichthyosis vulgaris, and as risk factors for the development of atopic dermatitis, a genetic breakthrough made by the Irish research team around Irwin McLean and Alan Irvine. In an international collaboration, Dr. Stephan Weidinger from the Technische Universit. (Science Daily)
American Academy of Dermatology Research Confirms Genetic Skin Barrier Defect Linked to Eczema Feb 4, 2008
"The reason is that the constant moisture in the diaper area keeps the skin from cracking. That is why we encourage parents to treat eczema in infants as early as possible and continually moisturize the skin." Dr. Hanifin noted that the important new study found a connection between atopic dermatitis and the disease ichthyosis vulgaris, a genetic disease characterized by dry, scaly skin. In both diseases, it is believed that mutations in the filaggrin gene responsible for the proper development... (PR Newswire)
Gene find may bring better eczema help, say scientists Apr 9, 2007
James Randerson, science correspondentMonday April 9, 2007. Genetic tests to identify children at risk of eczema and asthma and improve treatments are a step closer, thanks to a study of the conditions' genetic basis. (Guardian Unlimited)
Breakthrough hope for eczema Apr 9, 2007
The filaggrin gene comes in pairs and a mutation to one gene is enough to cause ichthyosis vulgaris, a dry, scaly skin. If both genes are faulty, the problems lead to eczema, asthma, and, it is suspected, hayfever and peanut allergy. (The Herald)
Eczema, asthma gene discovery Mar 22, 2006
This causes a very common dry, scaly skin condition known as ichthyosis vulgaris. In a second study, it was found that many people with ichthyosis vulgaris also have eczema. (Irish Health)
Hopes rise of cure for asthma and eczema after gene breakthrough Mar 21, 2006
Until now, doctors could only treat the symptoms of eczema and the related dry skin condition ichthyosis vulgaris using ointments or anti-inflammatory drugs. Now the gene defect that underlies most cases is known, scientists have a target and the Dundee team is already looking for drugs that will stimulate production of the protein, called filaggrin. (Scotsman)
Gene discovery offers hope for eczema and asthma sufferers Mar 21, 2006
But those with two defective copies -- about 1 in 500 people -- make no filaggrin and have a severe and persistent disease called ichthyosis vulgaris ... In families affected by ichthyosis vulgaris, a significant association was found between filaggrin mutations and eczema. (Australian)
Eczema and asthma breakthrough Mar 20, 2006
Treating eczema and asthma is a massive burden on the resoures of Britain's health service and now we have a chance of preventing them. "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. It took us two years but with a mixture of luck, skill and an incredibly intense team effort over the last few months, we succeeded in unlocking the secrets of this gene and discovered a major cause of human... (Life Style Extra)
New eczema treatments on horizon Mar 20, 2006
Last Updated: Monday, 20 March 2006, 01:18 GMT. Some people require specialist treatment for eczema. (BBC News)
Gene hope for eczema sufferers Mar 20, 2006
But those with two defective copies about 1 in 500 people, or 120,000 in Britain make no filaggrin and have a severe and persistent disease called ichthyosis vulgaris ... In families affected by ichthyosis vulgaris, a significant association was found between filaggrin mutations and eczema. (Times Online)
Asthma and eczema linked to mutant gene Mar 20, 2006
Prof McLean's team studied four groups of people: 52 Irish children with eczema; 604 Scottish children with asthma; 372 Danish children whose mothers have asthma, and 15 families with a condition called ichthyosis vulgaris, which causes flaky and scaly skin. In all groups they found that two different mutations to a gene called fillagrin were much more common than in the general population, they report in Nature Genetics. (Guardian Unlimited)
