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Juneau Biosciences Presents Endometriosis Gene Discoveries
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Juneau Biosciences Presents Endometriosis Gene Discoveries
at Prominent OB/GYN Scientific Meeting
April 21, 2010 - Juneau Biosciences, the Utah-based firm conducting a study to identify genes that cause endometriosis, has recently detected several new genetic markers for the disease.
Estimated to affect 10% of women of reproductive age, endometriosis is a chronic disorder characterized by the presence of menstrual tissues outside of the uterus. These tissues can bleed or become inflamed causing numerous symptoms; most often chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Currently, the only way to definitively confirm endometriosis is for a woman to undergo a surgery. Due to the lack of a less invasive means of diagnosis, women suffer for an average of 9.2 years between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis.
In an analysis of DNA samples from over 3,000 women, Juneau’s scientists discovered a number of DNA variations that were different in women with endometriosis from those without the condition. These variations may lead to a DNA-based test able to determine whether or not a woman is predisposed to develop endometriosis.
Kenneth Ward, M.D., founder of Juneau Biosciences and principal investigator of this study, presented these discoveries at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Gynecologic Investigation in Orlando, Florida. “The results of this study will drastically enhance a doctor’s ability to diagnose and treat women suffering from this often-debilitating disease,” Ward stated regarding the success of the research.
In addition to identifying new markers, the present study does not provide supporting evidence for over 70 candidate genes previously thought to contribute to endometriosis. The methods and technologies used by Juneau for this research are more extensive than those employed by previous endometriosis studies, therefore providing a more complete picture of the relationship between a woman’s genetic code and her likelihood of developing endometriosis.
Scientists at Juneau Biosciences now believe that most genes previously thought to cause the condition play little role. After eliminating insignificant DNA sequences from consideration, they confidently focus their attention to these new genes that have demonstrated relevance to the disease.
Ward adds, “This research offers hope for daughters and granddaughters of those currently affected by endometriosis. These preliminary results bring us many steps closer to having the ability to prevent, suppress, and even cure, endometriosis.”
Despite the tremendous progress Juneau has made, the research group will need thousands more samples from women with endometriosis in order to solve the mysteries of this enigmatic disease. Juneau Biosciences encourages women who have endometriosis (diagnosed by surgery) to enroll in the study.
For more information about Juneau Biosciences or to find out how to participate in the current endometriosis study, visit www.juneaubiosciences.com or www.endtoendo.com.
