Japanese scientists reveals genetic traits for skin problem

Japanese scientists have identified the genetic characteristics of people likely to suffer from chronic skin problems. The researchers are from the Center for Genomic Medicine at the state-backed science institute Riken. They and other scientists analyzed DNA collected from more than 3,300 Japanese who suffer atopic dermatitis, according to Japan’s (NHK WORLD) website. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and relapsing skin disorder. They found eight new sequences of DNA which make a person likely to suffer from the skin disorder. Another seven sequences had been identified earlier by overseas researchers. The identified new sequences include immune genes and Vitamin D metabolic genes. When the level of the Vitamin D metabolic genes is low in blood, it’s believed that atopic dermatitis tends to occur. The researchers say the study identified a common genetic factor to atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma. Riken researcher Tomomitsu Hirota says further studies of the genes in the 8 sequences will help understand the mechanism that causes the skin problem and help with developing a treatment.