The evolution of celiac disease: on the trail of junk DNA

Celiac disease is an immune disease that develops as gluten protein intolerance, which is found in wheat and other cereal grains. Despite the fact that we now know the main gene responsible for this disease, the genome has approximately 40 regions related to this disease, many of them in the so-called junk DNA. The research developed by UPV/EHU has discovered a new gene within the junk DNA controlling swelling and inflammation, which is modified in people with celiac disease. The paper, which was published in Science, has had a great repercussion since it has highlighted the importance of junk DNA in the development of diseases.

The research director, Ainara Castellanos, UPV/EHU researcher, will address this matter in the talk entitled “The evolution of celiac disease: on the trail of junk DNA” (‘Gaixotasun zeliakoaren eragileen bila: DNA zaborraren pistaren atzetik’). The event will take place on 10 May in Azkuna Zentroa, and the lecture will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Entry is free.