Research on genetic variation and inflammation..
01/11/2006
RESEARCHERS SHOW THAT PATTERNS OF GENETIC VARIATION LEADING TO OVER-EXPRESSION OF A KEY INFLAMMATION GENE ARE MORE COMMON IN AFRICAN-AMERICANS THAN CAUCASIANS
WALTHAM, MA – January 11, 2006 – Interleukin Genetics (AMEX: ILI) reports today that interactions of variations commonly found in the promoter region of a gene that plays a key role in inflammation (Interleukin1B) have a major influence on the transcription of that gene. Depending on the haplotype of the gene in a particular individual, a single base pair variation (SNP) in the promoter region can have a substantially different impact on the production of the protein. Scientists at Interleukin Genetics, the University of Sheffield and the University of North Carolina published their findings (online) this week in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.
“In addition to demonstrating our deep knowledge of this key gene, this research suggests a possible functional mechanism to help explain why people vary widely in the nature and consequences to health of their chronic inflammatory response”, said Philip Reilly, MD, CEO of Interleukin Genetics. “Another intriguing finding is that the haplotype that was associated with the highest level of IL1B activity was found far more commonly among African-Americans (46%) than in Caucasians (6%). This may turn out to be relevant to varying levels of risk among ethnic groups for certain diseases such as coronary artery disease that are known to be affected by the level of chronic inflammation.”
The new report, “Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human interleukin1B gene affect transcription according to haplotype context”, was published in Human Molecular Genetics (online Advance Access January 6, 2006: http/hmg.oxfordjournals.org/papbyrecent.dtl)
About Interleukin
Interleukin Genetics is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized health products, particularly in regard to modulating the role of inflammation in chronic disease. The company is developing or plans to develop risk assessment tests, pharmacogenetic tests, and nutritional and therapeutic products keyed to genetic variations in people. Interleukin's current programs focus on cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, periodontal disease, and weight management. For more information about Interleukin and its ongoing programs, please visit http://www.ilgenetics.com.
Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking” statements including statements regarding our ability to develop diagnostic, personalized nutritional and therapeutic products to prevent or treat diseases of inflammation and other genetic variations, our ability to screen nutritional compounds for their effects on inflammatory responses and other genetic variations, given specific genetic patterns and our ability to make progress in advancing our core technologies. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to develop diagnostic, personalized nutritional and therapeutic products to prevent or treat diseases of inflammation and other genetically influenced conditions, our ability to screen nutritional compounds for their effects on inflammatory responses, our ability to complete all of our key milestones with regard to programs funded by our strategic partner, our ability to make progress in advancing our core technologies and our ability to launch new commercial products. It also includes risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as amended, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and in other filings made by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation or intention to update these forward-looking statements.
For Interleukin Genetics:
John J. McCabe
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