Scoliosis gene is detected

For centuries, scientists have sought the exact causes of scoliosis-lateral curvature of the spine, affects 3% of children. Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine, with colleagues from several other American universities have identified the gene defect could lead to the development of the disease. Scientists have gathered and analyzed the genetic data of 52 families with primary idiopathic scoliosis handed down from generation to generation. It was found that patients often met CHD7 defect gene encoding protein, which plays an important role in many cellular processes. Flaw found in the area uncoded gene, suggesting that this damage does not result in the cessation of production of protein CHD7. Researchers suggest that the defect is in the zone, which regulates DNA binding molecules controlling "inclusion" and "off" genes. This may result in the protein CHD7 produsing, but in insufficient quantities, which is the cause and development of idiopathic scoliosis.