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Scientists have discovered a gene which helps in regulation of haemoglobin and iron levels. The scientists claim that the new discovery will pave the way for treatments for anaemia.
An international team, led by the Queensland Institute of Medical Research analysed the genome of 4,800 healthy individuals from Australia and the Netherlands and identified the new variant of a gene, TMPRSS6.
The scientists say that TMPRSS6 has previously been linked to a severe form of anaemia . These findings give information about the subtle natural variation in iron control amongst healthy people.
Dr Beben Benyamin, who led the team, said ,"An iron imbalance can lead to a range of diseases - an overload can cause haemochromatosis which may cause liver failure; a deficiency may result in anaemia.”
"This research gives us a better understanding of the genetic influences of iron control and red cell production. We hope to continue to search for other genes involved in the regulation of iron levels in otherwise healthy individuals.”
The commonly found variant is seen in 40% of Europeans and 60% of Asian populations .
Dr Benyamin said ,"We have also found that the variant has an additive effect. A person with two copies of the variant has lower iron and haemoglobin levels than those carrying only one copy.”
The latest edition of the 'Nature Genetics' journal includes these findings.
