Genes causing defective gut lining

The BBC reports that research comparing the genes of thousands of people with or without ulcerative colitis has found four genes of interest. They affect the lining of the intestine, and in those with ulcerative colitis the lining may be letting excessive bacteria through.

Researcher Dr Miles Parkes, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, said: "We have long suspected that genetic defects in the epithelial barrier are important in ulcerative colitis.

"This large scale genetic study provides the first robust genetic evidence that this is the case."

More detailed information about this research is available from the Wellcome Trust.

With the ever increasing knowledge of genetic factors influencing inflammatory bowel disorders it's only a matter of time before more effective and better targeted treatments can be found.