(July 13, 2015) Scientists
from the University of Leeds have uncovered the most comprehensive list yet of
genes implicated in a group of common inherited diseases.
The research, published in Nature Cell Biology today, means
that these disorders, known as ciliopathies, can be diagnosed more quickly and
could lead to new treatments for patients.
Ciliopathies are caused by defects in cilia, finger-like
projections from cells that act as microscopic “antenna” to detect and respond
to chemical changes or fluid flow outside the cell.
Kidney disease, which often leads to kidney failure, is a
common complication of ciliopathies and is a significant cause of childhood
disease and death.
One in every 1,000 people is born with a ciliopathy, which
means there are currently about 30,000 affected people in the UK alone.
The research was led by the University of Leeds in
collaboration with colleagues from Nijmegen in the Netherlands and about 40
other institutions worldwide.