It's in our genes!

An international study led by Trinity College Dublin and the University of Dundee has shown a link between a mutated gene and atopic dermatitis – the most common form of eczema.

Funded by grants from the Wellcome Trust, Science Foundation Ireland and the National Children’s Research Centre, scientists have found a new gene mutation that leads to spontaneous atopic dermatitis in mice.

The mutation, found in the MATT/TMEM79 gene, causes the protein mattrin to malfunction.

The scientists went on to discover similar findings in the genes of humans with atopic dermatitis. In humans, mattrin is expressed in cells that maintain the skin’s function as a barrier.

Professor Irwin McLean is Scientific Director of the Centre for Dermatology and Genetic Medicine at the University of Dundee.

He said, "This study shows that disruption of the barrier function of the skin is a key driving force in the development of eczema. Without an intact skin barrier, foreign substances can enter the body and trigger inflammation and allergy."

The research involved collaboration from scientists in Ireland, the UK, USA, Singapore and Germany and it is hoped that it will help lead to further studies and cures for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.