Rare respiratory disease gene carriers actually have increased lung function

(University of Bristol) New research has revealed the healthy carriers of a gene that causes a rare respiratory disease are taller and larger than average, with greater respiratory capacity.The disease, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency can result in severely reduced lung capacity due to emphysema. It is found in about 1 in 2,000 people, and occurs when an individual inherits a defective gene copy from both parents.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news