New genetic markers for COPD discovered

(Brigham and Women's Hospital) In a new Research Letter published in Nature Genetics on Feb. 6, 2017, investigators describe 13 new genetic regions associated with COPD, including four that have not previously been associated with any type of lung function. The researchers also found overlap of the genetic risk of COPD with two other lung diseases, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. These findings create an improved understanding of the genetic basis for this deadly disease.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news