Closing in on the cystic fibrosis gene.Closing in on the cystic fibrosis cystic fibrosis (sĭs`tĭk fībrō`sĭs), inherited disorder of the exocrine glands (see gland), affecting children and young people; median survival is 25 years in females and 30 years in males. gene A likely candidate for the gene causing cystic fibrosis hasbeen isolated by a group of researchers at St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London. Cystic fibrosis, a relatively common genetic disease that affects about 30,000 people in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , is characterized by a buildup of thick mucus mucus /mu·cus/ (mu´kus) the free slime of the mucous membranes, composed of secretion of the glands, various salts, desquamated cells, and leukocytes. mu·cus n. in the body that usually is fatal by the mid-20s. For years, scientists have been searching for the gene, which is carried by an estimated one in every 20 Caucasians. By using hybrids made up of mouse and human cells thatcarry bits of DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. apparently associated with the disease, the researchers identified a region of genetic material they believe contains the cystic fibrosis gene. Families with a high incidence of cystic fibrosis also were evaluated as part of the study. In addition, the DNA segment is found in areas of the body in a pattern expected in cystic fibrosis pathology, report the scientists in the April 30 NATURE. |
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