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Researchers Discover Gene for Premature Aging Disorder
June 2003
A team led by the National Human Genome Research Institute recently announced the discovery of the genetic basis of a disorder that causes the most dramatic form of premature aging. This finding will help shed light on the rare disease, as well as on normal human aging. Researchers, who reported on their study in April on the online version of Nature , identified the genetic mutations responsible for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), commonly referred to as progeria. This condition affects an estimated one in 8 million newborns worldwide. Currently, there are no diagnostic tests or treatments for the progressive, fatal disorder.
Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and leader of the research team, reported that the discovery is the first step in solving the mystery of progeria.
The researchers hope that the results of their study extend beyond progeria to all humans and the normal aging process. Hopefully what is learned about the molecular basis of this model of premature aging will gives scientists a better understanding of what occurs in bodies with the normal aging process.
In addition to the NHGRI, the multi-institution research team included scientists from the Progeria Research Foundation, the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities in Staten Island, NY, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Brown University in Providence, RI.
A team led by the National Human Genome Research Institute recently announced the discovery of the genetic basis of a disorder that causes the most dramatic form of premature aging. This finding will help shed light on the rare disease, as well as on normal human aging. Researchers, who reported on their study in April on the online version of Nature , identified the genetic mutations responsible for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), commonly referred to as progeria. This condition affects an estimated one in 8 million newborns worldwide. Currently, there are no diagnostic tests or treatments for the progressive, fatal disorder.
Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and leader of the research team, reported that the discovery is the first step in solving the mystery of progeria.
The researchers hope that the results of their study extend beyond progeria to all humans and the normal aging process. Hopefully what is learned about the molecular basis of this model of premature aging will gives scientists a better understanding of what occurs in bodies with the normal aging process.
In addition to the NHGRI, the multi-institution research team included scientists from the Progeria Research Foundation, the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities in Staten Island, NY, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Brown University in Providence, RI.
A team led by the National Human Genome Research Institute recently announced the discovery of the genetic basis of a disorder that causes the most dramatic form of premature aging. This finding will help shed light on the rare disease, as well as on normal human aging. Researchers, who reported on their study in April on the online version of Nature , identified the genetic mutations responsible for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), commonly referred to as progeria. This condition affects an estimated one in 8 million newborns worldwide. Currently, there are no diagnostic tests or treatments for the progressive, fatal disorder.
Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and leader of the research team, reported that the discovery is the first step in solving the mystery of progeria.
The researchers hope that the results of their study extend beyond progeria to all humans and the normal aging process. Hopefully what is learned about the molecular basis of this model of premature aging will gives scientists a better understanding of what occurs in bodies with the normal aging process.
In addition to the NHGRI, the multi-institution research team included scientists from the Progeria Research Foundation, the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities in Staten Island, NY, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Brown University in Providence, RI.
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