More Crohn's genes found

It has now been conclusively shown that genetics plays a role in the development of Crohn's disease, with the release of a study in Nature Genetics (full article available for purchase for US$30). Data from the Human Genome Project was used to compare the genes of people with and without the disease. The ABC mention:

Scientists previously had some indications of a genetic component to Crohn's disease. It tends to run in families and is more common in certain ethnic groups, especially people of central and eastern European Jewish descent.

Pinpointing the genes that predispose people to Crohn's disease could help lead to new ways to treat it, say the researchers.

Amongst all the other areas of research into Crohn's, we shall now have to keep an eye on developments in gene therapy.