Prediction of nsSNPs of LXR - Alpha Gene and Validation of Their Role in Vitiligo Suseptibility

Abstract

Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder characterized by white and depigmented patches enlarging and becoming more numerous with time. It is due to the disappearance of functioning melanocytes and loss of melanin in the epidermis. The condition can be cosmetically disfiguring and the lesional skin is thus more sensitive to sunburns. It affects 0.1-2% of the world’s population, irrespective of gender and race. Etiology is unknown and the several pathogenic hypotheses do not account for the entire spectrum of the disease. Although no full therapeutic solution for vitiligo is available, many options may lead to acceptable results in most patients. According to Vitiligo Research Foundation, India has the highest number of patients followed by China and United States. In India and perhaps elsewhere also men, women and children with vitiligo face severe psychological and social problems. Many vitiligo patients feel distressed and stigmatized by their condition, thus it is an important skin disease having major impact on the quality of life of patients suffering from vitiligo. June 25th is celebrated as World’s Vitiligo Day. It is an initiative aimed to build global awareness about vitiligo, a frequent and often disfiguring skin disease that can have a significantly negative social and psychological impact on patients. Researchers from different areas of the world explored intensively the possible shared susceptibility genes involved in vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases and additional genes that may mediate the vitiligo itself.