Gene Mutation in Aplastic Anemia Discovered
September 24, 2014; Posted by: WeBleed staff
New study offers insight into causes of aplastic anemia.
A new study published in Blood, a medical journal published by the American Society of Hematology (ASH), has identified a gene mutation that causes the blood disorder aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia occurs when a person’s bone marrow fails to produce new blood cells.
“Identifying this causal defect may help suggest future molecular-based treatments that bypass the gene defect and restore blood cell production,” said study co-leader Hakon Hakonarson, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for Applied Genomics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), via an article done by Counsel&Heal. “This improved understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms may suggest new approaches to treating disorders such as aplastic anemia. For instance, investigators may identify other avenues for recruiting telomerase to telomeres to restore its protective function.”
As with any new discover, more research will be done to get a more in depth look at aplastic anemia. To read the original study published in Blood, click here.
Photo Credit – Counsel & Heal
webleed.org – your source for bleeding news!
