The Orm family of proteins regulates the levels of sphingolipids in cells, according to scientists from the US in the journal Nature. Their discovery helps to understand the basics of childhood asthma.
Jonathan Weissman and a team at the University of California discovered that the Orm family of proteins plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis (the right balance) of sphingolipids – important biologically active lipids in our body.
Scientists have shown that changes in ORM gene expression lead to disturbed sphingolipid levels and harmful lipid accumulation in cells.
Earlier studies have found that one of the genes coding for Orm proteins, ORMDL3, is involved in the development of childhood asthma. According to the authors of the study, the results of their research indicate that disturbances in the metabolism of sphingolipids contribute to the development of childhood asthma. (PAP)