NPF Awards Grant to Continue Search for Psoriasis Gene
Portland, OR/March 31, 2000--The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) awarded a grant for $97,500 over the next 18 months to Stefan Jenisch, M.D. at the University of Kiel, Institute of Immunology in Kiel, Germany in order to advance genetic research into the psoriasis genes on chromosome 6.
This NPF funding will allow Jenisch to continue work that began in 1992 as a collaborative effort with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. The two teams consist of Jenisch, Tilo Henseler, M.D., and Enno Christophers, M.D. of the University of Kiel, and John J. Voorhees, M.D., James T. Elder, M.D. and Rajan Nair, M.D. of the University of Michigan.
"The current results of the Kiel-Ann Arbor collaboration give reasons to hope that the psoriasis gene could be identified within the duration of this grant," said Jenisch.
Since 1994, markers for psoriasis have been identified on eight chromosomes (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 17 and 20). Sites on chromosomes 6, 17 and 20 have been confirmed by more than one research group. However, chromosome 6 is the most promising location, in particular the chromosome's human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) region, which is known for its strong association with the immune system. It is strongly believed that the psoriasis gene there will be the first to be identified.
"We are moving much closer to opening up the genetics of psoriasis," said Gail M. Zimmerman, NPF president and CEO. "The pace is definitely quickening, and the NPF research grants is one way we work to sustain and advance the research being done around the world."
The NPF is a lay, nonprofit health organization committed to funding psoriasis research for a cure. The NPF will release its research plan in June, which will include goals to fund genetics research, alternative therapies and other areas of clinical research. For free information about the NPF's research program or psoriasis research call (800) 723-9166, e-mail [email protected] or see the Web site www.psoriasis.org .
Contact: Jessica Wise, NPF Public Relations Manager, 503-244-7404 x22 or [email protected]
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