What Is Psoriasis

The Genetic Component Of Psoriasis

Researchers have recently decided that psoriasis is caused, in part, by a genetic component. Those who suffer from this irritating disease have the right combination of genes to send their body into a zealous production of T-Cells. These cells, which are necessary for repairing the skin after it has been damaged, run rampant in those with psoriasis. The layering of skin cell upon skin cell finally results in the raised patches of reddened skin with the scaling white tops.

Researchers are currently studying why some people develop psoriasis while others do not. They feel that there must be mistakes in the genetic code, chemical errors within the DNA that result in an inaccurate amount or positioning of the protein. It is thought that psoriasis occurs in individuals who receive a unique combination of genes. This combination may not be the same for all people who develop psoriasis.

The missing component in the way psoriasis works is the precipitating factor that activates the genes. Although researchers have identified some of these factors, they still don't understand how these work to turn on the damaged genes. For example, everyone who experiences stress, has an infection, or suffers damage to the skin does not develop psoriasis. Only those with an unusual combination of genetic material do.

Researchers have closed in on the genetic component of psoriasis in the last decade. They have gone so far as to identify genetic markers, sections of the DNA that can be closely linked with psoriasis. More than ten markers have been identified, and researchers now know that at least three genes located on chromosome 17 are in some way associated with the onset of psoriasis.

Once all of the genes are pinpointed, researchers hope to find ways to deactivate the immune system's production of cells that plagues those with psoriasis. This knowledge will lead to new drugs and treatments to change this rogue activity that leads to psoriasis.

An important part of this genetic mapping has come as a result of the Human Genome Project. Another important source of genetic material used in the research of psoriasis is the National Psoriasis Victor Henschel Bio Bank. This is a huge central collection bank for samples of genetic material and cells of those who have had the various forms of psoriasis. Scientists hope that this material will aid in finally finding the key to psoriasis.

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