- Reaction score
- 4
In late 2012, the two groups realized that their investigations were linked. The CIMED scientists discovered their mice models with mutated potassium channels had Cantu-like symptoms. At about the same time, the clinicians’ genetic studies, conducted in collaboration with a group of Dutch researchers, led them to a gene called ABCC9.
“That’s not the same gene we were studying; we had mutated a gene called KCNJ8 in our mice,” Nichols said. “But we knew that proteins from each of these two genes come together to form a single potassium channel, and we now know that mutations in either gene can cause Cantu syndrome.”
Due to these mutations, the potassium channels remain open, making it harder for blood vessels to contract, a step that helps the circulatory system increase blood pressure when needed.
Based on what they’ve learned from studying Cantu syndrome patients, Washington University researchers now know more about how drugs such as Rogaine or minoxidil stimulate hair growth.
“Because of the gene mutation they carry, these patients are experiencing the equivalent of a chronic overdose of minoxidil,” Nichols said.
The clinic’s discoveries may not only help develop appropriate treatments for the cardiovascular problems and excess hair growth seen in Cantu and in other conditions, but also aid in the search for improved drugs that promote hair growth.
They don't have any problems with hormones or fertility.They hit puberty normally.
“That’s not the same gene we were studying; we had mutated a gene called KCNJ8 in our mice,” Nichols said. “But we knew that proteins from each of these two genes come together to form a single potassium channel, and we now know that mutations in either gene can cause Cantu syndrome.”
Due to these mutations, the potassium channels remain open, making it harder for blood vessels to contract, a step that helps the circulatory system increase blood pressure when needed.
Based on what they’ve learned from studying Cantu syndrome patients, Washington University researchers now know more about how drugs such as Rogaine or minoxidil stimulate hair growth.
“Because of the gene mutation they carry, these patients are experiencing the equivalent of a chronic overdose of minoxidil,” Nichols said.
The clinic’s discoveries may not only help develop appropriate treatments for the cardiovascular problems and excess hair growth seen in Cantu and in other conditions, but also aid in the search for improved drugs that promote hair growth.
They don't have any problems with hormones or fertility.They hit puberty normally.
Attachments
-
B7557712-44F4-4564-899F-02AA2C2DFCF5.jpeg -
57D92EDB-6972-49F5-82AD-43D08B6B01DE.jpeg -
048E696B-D579-4768-AD14-5F67C0F015E8.jpeg -
8E1CED32-9985-400C-ACF0-79E85AC49FCD.jpeg -
F5B5D293-CC67-468A-8402-DFA1A252797B.jpeg -
4FB37000-24CF-45D8-BC53-DBED812288C5.png -
5BE06944-C49D-4F64-B088-347B0AA18B58.jpeg -
BF668C26-5F18-4827-A15C-3F670807E01C.jpeg -
11D93A38-897A-4B99-833C-63D2D5DF3CD9.jpeg
