BEIJING, April 24(Xinhuanet)-- U.S. researchers have
identified a mutant gene that turns muscle and other connective tissues into
bone to imprison its victims in a second skeleton, according to findings
reported Sunday in an online edition of Nature Genetics.
The disorder, known as fibrodysplasia ossificans
progressiva (FOP), begins early in childhood and has no cure. It progressively
transform muscles, ligaments and tendons into ribbons, sheaths and plates of
bone that cover and lock the joints, making movement impossible.
“The discovery of the FOP gene is relevant to every
condition that affects the formation of bone and every condition that effects
the formation of the skeleton,” said Frederick Kaplan, of the University of
Pennsylvania, who led the research.
After 15-year-study, scientists found that FOP is caused
by a single mutation in a gene called ACVR1. This devastating glitch means that
tendons, ligaments and skeletal muscle begin painfully transforming into bone,
sometimes locking joints overnight.
FOP affects about
one in two million individuals.
The findings may one day lead to development of a
drug, not only to treat the rare bone disorder, but more common bone buildup
related to head and spine trauma, and even sports injuries, the researchers
said. Enditem
(Agencies)
