Pinpointing the Cause of A Deadly Blood-Clotting Disorder

HHMI researchers have discovered the cause of a potentially deadly
blood-clotting disorder that can lead to kidney failure or stroke. The
researchers found that thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is caused
by mutations in a gene that render an enzyme ineffective.

HHMI investigator David Ginsburg and his colleagues suggest that it might be
possible to treat TTP by administering an active form of the missing enzyme,
in much the same way that people with hemophilia receive clotting factor.

Research published in the October 4, 2001, issue of the journal Nature.

For the full story, go to http://www.hhmi.org/news/ginsburg.html

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