Dr. Fasano identifies crucial celiac disease molecule

September 8, 9:39 AMDC Gluten Free ExaminerSandra Robins

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Nine years ago, zonulin, an unknown human protein, was discovered to be linked to celiac disease and other autoimmune diseases.  Now, Dr. Fasano and his team at the University of Maryland have identified zonulin as a molecule called haptoglobin 2 precursor, which is found only in humans, not monkeys, apes, and chimpanzees.   

Results of the study were published this week.  Haptoglobin 2  enables researchers to better understand celiac disease and other autoimmune diseases, providing critical insight and direction for future research.  Here are two quotes from the press release.

Dr. Fasano's study revealed that zonulin is the precursor molecule for haptoglobin 2 — that is, it is an immature molecule that matures into haptoglobin 2. It was previously believed that such precursor molecules served no purpose in the body other than to mature into the molecules they were destined to become. But Dr. Fasano's study identifies precursor haptoglobin 2 as the first precursor molecule that serves another function entirely — opening a gateway in the gut, or intestines, to let gluten in. People with celiac disease suffer from a sensitivity to gluten."

This is quite a remarkable molecule that was just flying under the radar. We would have never have thought it would be the key. Now that we have identified this molecule, we are able to replicate it in the lab to use for research purposes. We hope to learn much more about it and its potential for treating and diagnosing celiac disease and other autoimmune conditions. This molecule has opened innumerable doors for our research."