Genes that cause deafness help heal scars

A genetic mutation, the cause of nearly half of all congenital deafness, gives the patient an unexpected advantage: to help the wound heal scars, avoiding the risk of infection.

(Photo: vesid)

This finding, just presented at a conference in Amsterdam (Netherlands), may explain why the mutation of CX26 gene is also common among all residents on Earth.

The relationship between CX26 gene and deafness was discovered by researcher David Kelsell of Queen Mary University in London about 10 years ago. Deafness only develops when both parents carry the CX26 gene. This gene encodes for protein connexine 26 which ensures metabolism between cells. Connexines merge to form tiny tubes that travel through cell membranes and allow cells to metabolize each other.

Mutations of CX26 gene cause relatively deafness in European, Asian and African residents. David Kelsell and colleagues assert that this mutant gene will not be common without some advantage.

Connexine 26 is also found in the skin. Researchers have demonstrated in the laboratory that cells carrying mutant copies of this protein are better able to heal scars and fight bacteria. They said they would study the effect of CX26 on other tissues, especially in the intestinal membrane.