Taking the Sting Out of Mouth Ulcers

https://www.technologynetworks.com/drug-discovery/news/taking-the-sting-out-of-mouth-ulcers-316326?utm_campaign=NEWSLETTER_TN_Breaking%20Science%20News&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=70515107&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_xPPWeYwJ3hAUfpaVVD920u4Pp9a1MvZj7o_YEET_4tHaS58wnDHeSg4nYTib6L0eXsCRHjahZpII3c9u-faXIOWSBMQ&_hsmi=70515107 The team identified genetic variants associated with the condition by analysing genetic data derived from over 450,000 participants in the UK Biobank and replicated these findings in over 350,000 participants in USA-based data collection 23andMe. They discovered 97 common genetic variations across the genome that predispose people to mouth ulcers. The study went on to look at three further studies, including Bristol's Children of the 90s (ALSPAC) study, which showed confirmatory results. These variations are enriched in genes that have previously been linked to regulation of the body's immune system. "Importantly, our findings also show that several of the genes related to mouth ulcers are in pathways which are already targeted by drugs that are used to treat other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. There is the potential that drugs like these could be used to treat mouth ulcers, although further work is required to demonstrate this."