If a cure for arthritis is developed, we shouldn’t be thanking our lucky stars, we should thank a mouse instead!

A research conducted in Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics have made a major discovery that helps us understand the disease better.

The scientists have identified a protein in a genetically-modified mouse that could prevent arthritis when it is present at high concentration.

The team of researchers led by Michael Reth, quite by a great stroke of luck, discovered that a protein called PTP1B is essential to prevent arthritis. They realized the importance of this protein when they were working on a genetically-engineered mouse with the gene for this exact protein knocked out in B-cells. (‘Knocking out’ is a process in which a particular gene can be selectively inactivated to find out how important its function is.)

PTP1B is a protein that can be best described as a ‘gatekeeper’ and are found in B-cells of immune system. A large concentration of this protein is required to prevent toxic signals from spreading across the cell. Until recently, it was assumed that the main function of B-cells was to produce antibodies against pathogens. Now, it has been revealed that it has regulatory roles too!

When PTP1B proteins are not present in sufficient quantities or worse still if it is absent, toxic signals in cells can spread rapidly.

This, in turn, can cause the body to attack its own cells, which happens in the case of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. As we know, in this type of arthritis, the patient’s immune system destroys connective tissue and causes swelling, pain and reduced movement.

Does that mean that there is a very bright possibility of developing drugs for rheumatoid arthritis? The scientists see a major roadblock ahead – while inhibiting a protein is fairly straightforward, increasing the activity of protein is extremely difficult to achieve. Until scientists find a way to stimulate PTP1B protein, it’s best to rely on natural methods like herbs and exercises to get relief from the pain.

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