Study reveals genetic control of blood proteins

An international team of scientists has discovered the way in which genes control levels of proteins in the blood that can influence the progression of disease.

A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the National Institute on Aging, and the Tuscany and Florence Health Agencies found that a number of key blood proteins under genetic control can be determined.

Commenting on the findings, one of the researchers, professor Tim Frayling, said: "By identifying versions of genes that alter blood levels of important molecules we should be able to understand whether these molecules are important in disease processes or not."

A class of molecules called "interleukins", important in inflammatory diseases such as such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis and may play a role in heart disease are included in this list of proteins.

The findings, published in the journal PLoS Genetics, indicated that the proportionate maintenance of proteins, fats and other molecules in our blood is essential for good health.