Researchers from University of
London, along with researchers from the United States and Europe, found a gene
known as PHACTR1. This gene has been
found to reduce cervical artery dissection, which is a tear in an artery that leads to the brain. Cervical artery dissection is one of the
leading causes of strokes in young and middle-aged adults. This disease can also lead to compression of
adjacent nerves and to blood clotting, hence the strokes. Individuals with the PHACTR1 gene have
reduced risk from not only cervical artery dissection, but from migraines and
heart attacks.
One of the researchers, Professor
Pankaj Sharma, believes the discovery of this gene is a very important
breakthrough. Not just due to finding
this gene, but because the study of this particular area of the genome provides
a better understanding of how it affects the vascular system. This discovery can lead to new treatments for
strokes, in addition to cervical artery dissection. The study of the genome around PHACTR1 could
lead to more knowledge and new treatments of other vascular, heart, and brain
diseases.
I find it extremely fascinating how
many discoveries are being made in such a short amount of time. The scientist are constantly finding new
genes or linking old genes to different diseases. I think if we keep studying the genome we
will be able to handle old disease and new diseases as they pop up. If not, we will at the very least have a good
understanding of the disease and how to go about dealing with it. Genome studying can only be good.
Stroke can be very damaging on the brain and can lead to permanent damage. Depending on which regions of the brain are affected, it can lead to physiological and physical impairment. The PHACTR1 gene that was found can reduced the likely that tear in an artery which can travel to the brain. This finding can reduced the risk of stroke occurring. I found it interesting that the PHACTR1 gene also reduced risk of having migraine and heart attacks. Like the post stated, this gene can lead to cures associated with the heart and brain.
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