Fine mapping of MHC region leads to identification of new genetic risk factors for celiac disease

In published online last week in Nature Genetics, a team led by Ó³»­´«Ã½ visiting scientist Paul de Bakker of University Medical Center Utrecht fine mapped the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) – a linked set of genetic loci known to influence the development of celiac disease. The team’s approach turned up five new associated genetic variants that together account for roughly 18% of the genetic risk for the disease. Combined with previously identified risk factors, these genetic loci can now explain up to 48% of celiac disease heritability.