LONDON, Nov 20 (Reuters) - British scientists said on Tuesday they had found a gene which causes a severe form of Spina Bifida, a devastating birth defect that is the leading cause of paralysis in children.
The gene, called Lpp1, was pinpointed in a strain of mice but researchers at the Institute of Child Health at University College and Imperial College in London said it had the same function in humans. "We have identified the gene that is mutated in the loop-tail strain of mice. These mice developed the severe form of Spina Bifida closely resembling that seen in humans," Dr Philip Stanier of Imperial College said in a statement.
Spina Bifida is one of the most common birth defects in children. It occurs in one in 1,000 pregnancies when the vertebrae surrounding the spinal cord in the developing embryo fails to form. Lpp1 is linked to a very serious form of Spina Bifida called craniorachischisis which can cause stillbirth or early death.
Taking folic acid supplements early in pregnancy can prevent birth defects, including Spina Bifida, but the scientists who located Lpp1 hope it will lead to new ways to prevent the disorder. "Our identification of the loop-tail gene is a key finding," said Professor Andrew Copp of University College. The scientists, whose research is published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, said the finding should improve scientific understanding of the causes of the problem and could point to new remedies.
“The long-term aim of our research is to develop new methods for preventing Spina Bifida, by treating the embryo as it develops during pregnancy," Copp said. Copyright 2001 Reuters Limited