Genetic mutation predicts organ rejection

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. medical scientists say they have discovered a genetic mutation that identifies people whose bodies will reject transplanted tissues and organs.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found the mutation while studying DNA samples from 80 children who received liver transplants. Samples from the children's parents were also taken.

The scientists said they used a technique involving grids of DNA genes that can be simultaneously analyzed for their activity and interactions. More than 500,000 mutations were evaluated.

Dr. Rakesh Sindhi of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the study's principal investigator, said discovery of the mutation "will allow us to predict who will experience rejection beforehand, and to personalize anti-rejection medication."

He added, "The novel combination of techniques used in this study is a major methodological advance toward developing personalized diagnostics for transplant recipients, which will improve outcomes and quality of life."

The findings are reported in the journal Gastroenterology.