New discoveries in the genetics of lung health

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have been involved in the discovery of sixteen new sections of the genetic code that relate to lung health — opening up the possibility for better prevention as well as treatment for lung diseases. An international consortium of 175 scientists from 126 centres in Europe, the USA and Australia identified genetic variants associated with the health of the human lung. Their discovery sheds new light on the molecular basis of lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is the first time that these sixteen common genetic variants have been definitely linked with lung function. Researchers say the new pathways discovered could be targeted by drugs. The study was led by Professor Martin Tobin from the University of Leicester, Professor Ian Hall from The University of Nottingham and Stephanie London from the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The pioneering research involved a genetic study of 2.5 million genetic variants in each of 48,201 people across the world.