Scientists discover genetic cause of deadly rare disease ‘dyskeratosis congenita’
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have uncovered a genetic defect which causes the life-threatening condition ‘dyskeratosis congenita’ (DC) – a rare genetic form of bone marrow failure.
The researchers used the latest genetic sequencing methods to study 31 children with the disease and discovered a defect in the biological process known as deadenylation. This is the routine breakdown and recycling of the body’s messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) – the molecules which transcribe instructions from DNA to make proteins.
This is the first time a defect in the deadenylation process, controlled by the poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN) gene, has been found to cause a genetic disease. Until now, scientists have believed that DC is caused by defective telomere maintenance (the caps of chromosomes that shorten with age). However, this research has shown that in some of these cases it’s the deadenylation deficiency which impacts the telomere maintenance, thereby causing the condition.
Dr Tom Vulliamy, Co-Senior Author at Queen Mary University of London, comments: “The discovery of this genetic cause of dyskeratosis congenita will immediately impact families with children suffering from this rare condition, as we’ll now be able to provide a definitive diagnosis – something we’ve been unable to do until now due to the complex nature of the disease. This will enable us to look after our patients more effectively, as well as offer genetic counselling and family planning advice.
“We are now recommending that all families who present with symptoms of this disease be screened for variants of the gene identified in this research.”
Dyskeratosis congenita is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose. It is characterised by a wide range of symptoms including changes in the skin, nails and mouth, neurological problems, along with a failure of the bone marrow to produce enough blood cells which leads to premature death. Queen Mary University
